Opening statement by the Chair of the 54th meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations, Margaret Pedro, Tokelau's Manager Support Services - Department of Transport & Support Services
5 - 6 November 2024 - Papeete, French Polynesia
Heads of delegation, Senior Officials, Permanent Observer, Partners, Secretariat staff, ladies and gentlemen, Warm Pacific greetings.
I join the Director-General, Dr. Stuart, in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to French Polynesia for hosting us here in beautiful Papeete. Your generous hospitality and the warmth of the people have truly made us feel welcome. We are privileged to be on your stunning shores and to experience the vibrant culture and friendliness that French Polynesia is known for.
Thank you once again for opening your home to the SPC family.
I also echo the words of gratitude from the Director-General Dr. Stuart to Solomon Islands as outgoing Chair for CRGA 53. I also express Tokelau’s gratitude to Tonga who kindly stepped in to take on the role of Vice-Chair in CRGA 53 when Tokelau was not able to attend meeting due to national commitment.
Today, Tokelau is deeply honored to chair the 54th Meeting of CRGA, as we gather here as a united Pacific family to discuss critical matters facing our region.
For 78 years, the SPC has been a pillar of regional cooperation, offering scientific and technical expertise, and supporting the diverse aspirations of our members. This legacy continues to be central to our discussions today.
As we gather for our annual governance convening, we are reminded of the critical role of this organization in addressing the significant challenges facing our region. The existential threat of climate change looms large, compounded by pressures from population growth, youth unemployment, health crises, and economic challenges. Our infrastructure is also under strain, struggling to meet the needs of our growing populations.
We are reminded that "business as usual" is not an option. We must be bold and ambitious in our actions to truly impact the lives of our people. The path forward demands a collaborative, innovative approach, drawing on the strength of our shared vision for a resilient and thriving Blue Pacific.
While we cherish our regional partnerships and shared goals, it is important to recognize and respect the individual priorities of each member nation. This is our Pacific way—unity through diversity.
SPC, along with our other regional agencies, remains a critical partner in this journey. Through effective cooperation, we can achieve far more than we could alone.
Before we begin, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Director-General, Dr. Stuart Minchin, and the dedicated SPC staff for their hard work and commitment in bringing this important meeting to fruition. Their meticulous planning and dedication have created a valuable space for us to engage in critical discussions. Thank you.
Distinguished delegates, we do have a busy two days ahead of us. However, outside the meeting room, I encourage you all take the opportunity to get to socialise and connect with each. As we know, the strength of our region lies in relationships and solidarity—the Pacific way that makes us unique.
Guided by the four values of the Pacific Community, gifted by us: stewardship, generosity, unity, and care. As we come together for next few days, we kindly ask that we embody these values, especially in our interactions.
