Pacific Community (SPC) members must make clear decisions on priorities and resources to ensure the organisation continues delivering services for Pacific people, CRGA56 Chair Jeanett Vea says.
Opening the 56th Meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA56) in Noumea, Vea said growing demands on SPC’s services and pressure on available resources required clear guidance from member countries and territories.
“Our shared responsibility is to provide clear guidance, consider the choices before us with care, and ensure that our decisions support effective delivery for Pacific people,” said Vea, Deputy Secretary of Tonga’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She urged representatives to use the two-day meeting for open and constructive discussions, with a focus on clear decisions and practical outcomes.
Vea said she would seek to ensure all members had an opportunity to contribute and called on delegates to keep their interventions focused and concise.
“Over the next two days, I encourage open and constructive dialogue, grounded in mutual respect and our shared commitment to this organisation and our region,” she said.
Tonga has assumed the CRGA chairmanship from Tuvalu, with the United Kingdom serving as vice-chair and leading the Drafting Committee.
Vea thanked Tuvalu for its leadership and acknowledged the SPC Director-General and Secretariat for preparing the meeting, as well as the Government and people of New Caledonia for hosting delegates at SPC headquarters in Noumea.
She also welcomed the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) back to the meeting, saying SPC members looked forward to its continued engagement
“It is wonderful to have you back around the table, and we look forward to your continued engagement in the SPC family,” she said.
CRGA brings together representatives of SPC’s member governments and administrations to review the organisation’s work and provide guidance on its priorities.
Vea declared the 56th meeting officially open, saying she looked forward to working with members towards decisions that deliver practical outcomes for the region.
