Transcript
ASIF CHIDA: First of all I think that we have to understand that MDGs were a more narrow set of goals but the SDGs are much more inclusive and they are much more dynamic. And two I think MDGs we started a bit late in the region and it was actually we had to go through different levels before it started implementing. So I think that was one issue and in SDGs we have now started working or building consensus on global indicators on goals so that we can start implementation.
KOROI HAWKINS: And how much money or support is out there for the Sustainable Development Goals and is it currently easily accessible?
AC: Well we have, first I think the priority is set the indicators, set the goals which we are trying to work with the national planning and budgeting. We are trying to cost those planning and budgeting in each country and first there is a lot of money but I think the accessing part is where Pacific island countries need that support. We are trying to look first inwards to see what are the domestic resources that are available so once we capture an overall picture of what are the flows, inflows and external outflows, we find the gaps and once the gaps are done we will be approaching to different development partners.
KH: Are the sustainable development goals a better or more relevant set of goals for the Pacific than the millennium development goals were?
AC: The MDGs were much more narrow this is much more inclusive and dynamic. And the question is it relevant? Yes because SDGs are much more relevant as they focus attention on the three elements of sustainable development. That is environment, economic and social conditions that is one. I think the relevance to Pacific is much more important today from a climate change aspect. And it is the single most important thing which is for the region as well as the development along with the disaster risk. And having identified an exclusive goal on oceans gives us much more impetus to look into those goals. And it is also relevant because we are working on partnerships here. Which wasn't there we were working in silos earlier but now we are working in partnerships especially working on south cooperation and financing for development. What we are doing is taking the global agenda to the Pacific and while bringing the Pacific agenda up to the global level.
A regional workshop on Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation will be held next month in Fiji with representatives from 18 Pacific Island Forum countries expected to attend along with development experts, private sector partners and civil society organisations from around the region.
