The Preparatory Meeting for the PALM 2003
Date: 6-7 March 2003
Venue: Mita Kaigisho, Tokyo
The Preparatory Meeting for the 3rd Japan-PIF Leaders Meeting was chaired by Mr. Kazuo Kodama, Deputy Director General, Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Those attended from the PIF members (*) included Hon. Gerald Zackios, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Marshall Islands, and senior officials of the PIF members as well as the PIF Secretariat. They had useful talks on a number of issues, which will be further discussed towards the 3rd Japan-PIF Leaders Meeting (PALM 2003), which Japan will be hosting on May 16 and 17, in Okinawa
* PIF (Pacific Islands Forum) members are;
Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Outcome of the Preparatory Meeting
Participants confirmed that the aim of the PALM 2003 will be to launch a comprehensive strategy for cooperation between Japan and PIF members along with an Action Plan to implement it.
Discussion on agenda of PALM 2003
The following are key items of discussion on agenda of PALM 2003.
Intra-regional security including reconciliation between ethnic groups.
Counter-terrorism and other security measures against threats from outside the region.
Human security
(ii) Trade and Investment
Promotion of exports from Pacific Islands Countries to Japan
Tourism promotion
(iii) Environment
Measures to tackle with environmental issues unique to islands
Translation of the WSSD commitment and achievements into regional initiatives
Specific issues including waste management, conservation, environmental education and partnership between civil society organisations and public sector.
(iv) Education
Improvement of basic education
Promotion of higher education and distance learning.
(v) Health/Sanity
Prevention and treatment of infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS as well as other diseases such as diabetes.
Dialogue with civil society
(1) Okinawa NGOs joined in the session on environmental issues in Day 2. They contributed to the session by offering their experiences in areas such as; how to tackle with environmental issues in remote islands, community activities on environmental protection and education with school children, conservation of mangrove, and protection of migratory birds
(2) Other NGOs that have been active in Pacific islands countries and experts also attended the session and suggested a range of ideas for concrete actions.
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