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By Rolynda Jonathan
Calls for improvement and more focus on Smaller Islands States was echoed in the North Pacific as countries shared their thoughts and input during the Pacific Plan consultation phase.
At their meeting with the Pacific Plan review team, the Federated States of Micronesia called for better regional cooperation, links to the South and greater ownership of initiatives such as the Pacific Plan.
In Palau, officials asked for improvement in the Plan to reflect the country’s development needs. Officials also emphasized the importance of reflecting the development aspirations of all people including those living with disabilities.
A similar notion was echoed in the Marshall Islands, who called for more focus on health, education and climate change – the nation’s priorities.
Following consultations in the North, the team traveled to Fiji for their final consultation prior to presenting their initial findings at the upcoming Pacific Plan Action Committee session at the end of the month.
A final report will be given to Pacific Islands Forum leaders at their annual meeting in the Marshall Islands in September.