The Pacific Community Director-General, Dr. Colin Tukuitonga, is in Apia this week. And top of his agenda is strengthening partnerships and development financing for the region.

Dr Tukuitonga is schedule to meet with Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, to deliberate on regional and national development progress and challenges, and the range of scientific and technical assistance provided by the Pacific Community (S.P.C). 

During the week-long official visit, the Director-General is also scheduled to present on the Roadmap for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific.

 “It’s timely that Samoa is hosting an international forum on financing because we’re seeing that securing sustainable financing for development is a growing issue for many countries and for regional organisations in the Pacific, including SPC,” Dr Tukuitonga said.

 “The World Bank estimates that trillions of dollars will be required to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals over the next 15 years, an amount over and above the existing capacities of governments and international donors.

 “The development landscape is changing and it means that S.P.C, as the region’s principal scientific and technical organisation, must implement fundamental changes to its financial model so we can continue to deliver the services and assistance needed by our members.

 “This is an important opportunity to strengthen our engagement with Samoan Government officials, development banks and other stakeholders to review progress, plan future projects and consult one another on the question of financing and the new thinking required,” he said. Dr. Tukuitonga is accompanied by S.P.C’s Social Development Division Deputy-Director, Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago Elisara.