Communiqués
Japan Local Government Centre
10 December 2003, Nadi, Fiji
On Wednesday 10 December 2003, a delegation of ministers, mayors, leaders and representatives of national, sub-national and local government in the Pacific met in Nadi, Fiji. On this occasion of the 2003 CLAIR Pacific Forum, the participants discussed a wide variety of topics relating to the improvement of intergovernmental relations in order to achieve good governance.
Outcomes of the 2003 CLAIR Pacific Forum on intergovernmental relations for good local governance
We do hereby offer this summary of the outcomes:
- We recognise the timely nature of this forum. This forum builds on other work and has contributed to the further development of options for the future.
- There is a current opportunity within the Pacific region to meet and hold meaningful and far-ranging discussions on the future roles and expectations of local, government. All spheres of government should actively participate in these discussions.
- There is also an opportunity for the development of new relationships between spheres of government in each country. These relationships should be built on respect, trust and a genuine commitment to partnership.
- We understand the need to recognise diversity in local government and are committed to the development of options that may apply across a range of situations.
- It is recognised that the current financial status of local government throughout the region is unsustainable. All spheres of government should work together in partnership to explore new options for local government income. Central government may be able to support these developments through options such as: revenue-sharing, financial guarantees and, in some cases, commercial partnerships.
We recognise the role of central government in supporting local government reform. This support may take the form of financial assistance, training and education opportunities, joint planning, human resource development, and dissemination of best-practice knowledge.
We acknowledge the importance of decentralization, but are mindful that such programs must go hand-in-hand with capacity building. It is essential that local government authorities be assisted to develop the skills for change.
We applaud the actions of CLAIR in supporting this forum, and hope that it will contribute towards further sharing of knowledge and experience throughout the region.
Signed on behalf of the 2003 CLAIR Pacific Forum participants:
Bhaskaran Nair
Director-General
Ministry for Local Government, Housing and Environment
CLAIR Sydney
Mr. Keisuke Tsukada
Permanent Secretary,
Government of Fiji
Invited Speakers (in order of appearance) included:
- Cr Ratu lsikeli Tasere - Fiji
- Mr. Keisuke Tsukada -Japan
- Hon.M.Ragigia -Fiji
- Mr Pusp Raj - Fiji
- Mr Sunil Kumar -Fiji
- Mr SusumuTakashima -Japan
- Mr Akihide Hirashima -Japan
- Cr. Balram Kistaiya - Fiji
- Mr Warkia Baul Kaminiel - PNG
- H.E. Leo A. Falcam - FSM
- Mr Ian Chalmers - Australia
- Mr Tino Eneliko Seiuli - Samoa
- Mrs Teramweai ltinraoi - Kiribati
- Mr Siosifa Fifita - Tonga
- Mr Rien Morris - RMI
- Hon. Laura lerago - Palau
- Mr Basil Morrison - NZ
- Mr Bhaskaran Nair - Fiji
