The Pacific Community was pleased to welcome Government Officials from across the Pacific, along with members of international organisations, civil society groups, and local groups to Noumea, New Caledonia, for the Pacific Community’s (SPC) 53rd meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA 53) and the 13th Pacific Conference from 23-27 October. The outcomes documents for CRGA 53 and Conference 13 are now available on the CRGA website.

Discover below the highlights of the Meeting and Conference.

53rd meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA 53)

Opening of CRGA

In his opening statement as Chair of CRGA 53, H.E. Mr Collin David Beck, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Solomon Islands, highlighted the importance of our solidarity and collective commitment to serving our people in the Blue Pacific Continent. 

SPC's Director-General Report

Read the Director-General’s report here. The combined report covers the period from November 2022 to August 2023 and complements SPC's communications, informing members of our progress and implementation during the year. 

Launch of Digital Earth Pacific

The Pacific Community was pleased to launch the Digital Earth Pacific Programme and invited SPC members to be part of the exclusive unveiling of our latest innovation. A series of interactive stories were shared during the two days of CRGA 53, as well as the new website. 

Watch also the Digital Earth Pacific Programme Official launch video, highlighting the value of Earth observations system. 

What happened on the sidelines of the CRGA 53 event?

The Government of New Caledonia and SPC signed a new four-year partnership agreement in Noumea on Monday, that strengthens ties, intensifies SPC’s activities, and reconfirms New Caledonia as SPC’s Headquarters.

13th Conference of the Pacific Community

Thursday 26 October was the official opening ceremony of the 13th Conference of the Pacific Community at its Headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia, featuring a welcoming of Ministers through traditional dances and songs performed by Youth from Tuvalu. It was followed by a welcoming address from Hon. Panapasi Nelesone, Minister of Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs for Tuvalu, and Chair of the Conference. Four side events on Food Systems, Climate Change, Gender Equality, and Statistics were also organised. 

Friday 27 October was the closing day of the 13th Conference, which included members' opening statements, a presentation of the Director-General's Report, and a Showcasing of Solutions in Science, Knowledge, and Digital Transformation. SPC also had the opportunity to lead a thematic session – Nexus of Climate Change and Digital Transformation. Finally, the Conference concluded with the endorsement of the 13th Conference Decisions and the Islands Night.

Handover Ceremony of Chairmanship

Hon. Matai Seremaiah Nawalu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade for Vanuatu, hands over to Hon. Panapasi Nelesone, Minister of Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs for Tuvalu, Chair of 13th Conference of SPC.

Performance from Tuvalu Youth

The performance from Tuvalu Youth showcased the following traditions and culture: 
Te Fakalagi – Chant, the history of the head garland, contemporary dancing, a traditional Tuvalu dance – FATELE, and ALOFA – Gift presentation to the Heads of Delegation.

Farewell to our Regional Directors

Many thanks to Lara Studzinski, Regional Director for Micronesia, Mia Rimon, Regional Director for Melanesia, and Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago-Elisara, Regional Director for Polynesia. SPC and its members thanked the three directors for their dedicated work and commitment to the Pacific region.

Showcasing: Solutions in Science, Knowledge, and Digital Transformation

SPC introduced members to Tuvalu Digital Twin — protecting the physical landscape of Tuvalu in the metaverse, Digital Earth Pacific—decision-ready tools at a fraction of the cost and in a fraction of the time, and 3D atoll model—high-resolution planning tools to inform climate adaptation.

What happened on the sidelines of the event?

Food Systems

The Food Systems Flagship Programme invited member countries and territories to visit the Noumea Market and listen to Indigenous Food Systems Advocate, Michael Sansoni from New Caledonia.

Statistics

This side event introduced SPC’s Pacific Data Hub and the Lowy Institute’s Pacific Aid Map. It explained what these two platforms are and how to use them. Case studies looked at how we can understand links between development financing, results and decision-making for gender & climate change.

Gender Equality

The side event, hosted by the Women In Leadership and Pacific Women Lead at SPC programmes, gave member governments the opportunity to join in person to share reflections on the Gender Equality Flagship’s benefits and effectiveness, including insights on what can be done better.

Climate Change

SPC introduced its Climate Change Flagship Programme draft document, a comprehensive initiative that integrates and mainstreams climate change across all SPC's divisions and programmes. SPC is committed to strengthening its ability to secure climate finance for members and provide regional public goods and services.

Documents and images

• The 13th Conference outcomes document is available in this folder.
• Photos of the CRGA and Conference can be downloaded from this folder.
• Images for the launch of the Digital Earth Pacific Programme are available here.
• Images for the Signing of the 2024-2027 Partnership Agreement between the Government of New Caledonia and the Pacific Community can be downloaded here.

For more information, please contact: 
Lisa Kingsberry, Director of Communications at the Pacific Community (SPC) | [email protected] (English only)
Jean-Noël Royer, Media and Event Coordinator at the Pacific Community (SPC) | [email protected]
Camille Menaouer, Online Community Officer at the Pacific Community (SPC) | [email protected] 
For general media inquiries, please contact [email protected]