PRESS RELEASE
SPC 40th CRGA endorses energy and ICT frameworks
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), 27 October 2010 – The 40th meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA), the governing body of SPC, endorsed the energy and information and communication technology (ICT) frameworks yesterday, reaffirming SPC's and its members' firm commitment to progress the development of ICT and energy sectors in the region.
The two frameworks, Towards an Energy Secure Pacific: Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific and Framework for Action on ICT for Development in the Pacific were formulated in response to the call by Pacific Leaders at the 40th Pacific Islands Forum in Cairns (August 2009) for greater energy security and the review and update of the Pacific Plan Digital Strategy (PPDS).
'The frameworks reflect the Secretariat's leadership role in both sectors and they have been formulated and will be implemented under the premise of 'Many Partners, One Team, One Plan' approach,' explained Dr Jimmie Rodgers, Director General of SPC.
The ICT framework has also been endorsed by the Pacific ICT ministers at the Pacific Regional Information & Communication Technology Ministers' Meeting in Nuku'alofa, Tonga on 18 June 2010. SPC is to coordinate the implementation of the framework in collaboration with the University of the South Pacific, and other regional agencies and development partners.
The energy framework is currently in final draft form, awaiting full endorsement of energy ministers from all Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). This will eventuate at the next Pacific energy ministers meeting planned for 2011.
The corresponding regional implementation plans for both frameworks are currently being developed. The plans, which will focus on regional interventions that provide practical support for the implementation of national policies and plans, will be tabled for endorsement at the Pacific Joint Ministerial on energy, ICT and transport in April 2011.
The two frameworks will play a critical role in guiding future actions, informing policy direction, enhancing funding decisions and supporting the implementation of national policies and plans.
'These two frameworks play an important part in shaping and setting the work programmes for the Economic Development Division (EDD) and also show how an integrated approach for both ICT and energy can benefit the work of SPC and ultimately the Pacific people,' added Captain John Hogan, Director of EDD.
For more information, please contact:
Solomone Fifita, Deputy Director (Energy), EDD, SPC, Suva, Fiji (email: SolomoneF@spc.int); or Siaosi Sovaleni, ICT Outreach Coordinator, EDD, SPC, Suva, Fiji (email: SiaosiS@spc.int)
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