Page 35 - IB October 2021

Opinion Opinion

President of Nauru Lionel Rouwen Aingimea

I have struggled as regards the applicability of this new may have been boosted given the latest global ranking of USP.
reflection. I commented recently in a Facebook post that The editorial is clear about the applicability of ‘A New Pa-
a New Pacific Consciousness seems to be ‘over the top’ for cific Consciousness’ to Pacific regionalism. However, in trying
resolving the USP situation, given the fact that the relevant to frame its first part, I am reminded of the massive exercise
issues there relate essentially to one member country out of that was carried out in the review of the Pacific Plan that
12 regional members. Methinks, if Fiji were to practice good led to The Framework for Pacific Regionalism. I am reminded
governance in the affairs of the USP Council, all the problems further of the former Secretary General’s support of this
of the university would be removed. Framework and all the changes and processes she introduced
This does not need to even impinge on the affairs of the “to ensure that we have the right institutional set up within
Pacific Islands Forum or its secretariat. All that is required is the secretariat to deliver on the framework over the short-
for Fiji to be directed to the existing Framework of Pacific Re- and long-term future. The framework demands a number of
gionalism and its Vision, Values and Objectives. This does not important and fundamental changes for the secretariat, so it
even invoke the application of the first part of ‘A New Pacific is important that we look at ourselves to see whether we are
Consciousness.’ fit-for-purpose to deliver.”
The Vision, in any case, speaks of ‘a region of peace, In this context, another formulation of strategies and
harmony….social inclusion.’ The Values state: ‘We embrace mechanisms, as per ‘A New Pacific Consciousness’ seems not
good governance, the full observance of democratic values…. the point. This is particularly germane since the planning and
commitment to just societies……We support full inclusivity, compilation of the 2050 Strategy, which PIF Leaders autho-
equity and equality for all people….We strive for effective, rised at their 2019 Leaders Retreat, whilst advanced, is still
open and honest relationships….based on mutual accountabil- underway.
ity and respect. These Pacific regional values will guide all our What then should be the status of Aingimea’s ‘A New Pacific
policy-making and implementation.’ The Objectives specify Consciousness’? The concept, admittedly, has an aspirational
‘strengthened governance, legal, financial and administrative ring about it. And it can build the foundation for a more in-
systems.’ depth and creative reflection of Pacific regionalism. It should
In the Fiji situation, it is clearly the government of the day not go to waste. For those who are initiating a more cre-
that is reneging from its regional responsibilities. Many would ative evaluation and formulation of our ‘Blue Pacific’ as our
agree that the political situation in the country is ‘off the ‘identity’, they can start by taking ownership of this reflec-
beaten track’. The general elections next year are likely to tive piece and ponder over all the exciting scenarios that it
return the country to the safe hands of the wise, visionary and engenders.
the imperturbable. When that happens, USP will continue to
grow and thrive, benefitting from the changes that have been editor@islandsbusiness.com
put in place and which Aingimea spoke about. This will ensure
that the university is all ‘about allowing our voices to be The author is a former Fijian Ambassador and Foreign Minis-
heard on the world stage’: thus meeting the requirement of ter and runs his own consultancy company in Suva, Fiji.
‘A New Pacific Consciousness.’ In all intents and purposes, this

Islands Business, October 2021 35