Page 13 - IB FEB 2017

SPC, 70 years on The Region

Pacific NCD Partnership; and targeted programmes that effectively ships will continue to be crucial to achiev-
• Improving access to water and sanitation tackle development challenges across the ing sustainable longer term outcomes. SPC,
across the region; region, which also contribute as well to its members and partners remain united in
• Fostering informed policy and decision- global benefits. our shared aspiration for a prosperous and
making through the Pacific Regional At SPC we recognise that development sustainable future for all.
Statistics Database which provides around issues are complex and multi-dimensional To those same ends, SPC will redouble
200 indicators on strategic sectors in the and cannot be solved by a sectoral ap- its efforts to ensure the organisation is in
Pacific Islands strengthening comparability proach alone. And at SPC, ‘doing busi- the best shape to deliver on those outcomes
of data across the region; ness differently’ means moving from a so that all Pacific people can lead free,
• Developing the region’s capacity in areas project-based sectoral approach to an in- healthy, and productive lives, leaving no
of social development – human rights, tegrated programming approach. By taking one behind.
gender, culture and youth. a multi-sector and integrated approach to - Dr Tukuitoga is the Director-General of the
Our responsibility and service to our responding to the Pacific Islands’ develop- Pacific Community
members and partners will not stop at pro- ment priorities, we draw upon skills and
ducing good science and technical advice. capabilities from around the region and in-
Collectively, we must continue to ensure ternationally. As a result, we will continue
that it is making a difference in people’s to empower Pacific communities through
lives on the ground. SPC’s comparative sharing of expertise and skills, and lessons
advantage lies in our deep and nuanced learned between countries and territories.
understanding of the Pacific Island context, In the face of global and regional chal-
and our capacity to formulate integrated lenges, genuine and sustainable partner-

Islands Business,February 2017 13