The Pacific is uniquely, outside of Europe, characterised by extensive regional governance arrangements and institutions. Pacific Island countries share common strengths and oceanic, climatic, geophysical and socio-cultural heritage and experience that give rise to common governance challenges when it comes to climate change. These factors call for approaches that are innovative, regional and trans-boundary. The practice of democracy has yet to provide full agency and autonomy for every woman, girl, man and boy in the Pacific to have control over their own lives, with many challenges to inclusive governance standing in the way of people fully practicing their rights and being able to make their own choices. This chosen focus stems from the fact that we can’t achieve a 1.5°C world without every community member of the Pacific being able to have control over their lives, resources and the oceans they will leave to the next generation.
Dr. Jale Samuwai
Oxfam in the Pacific
