Samoa PM supports civil society voice at the Forum

Apia:

The Prime Minister of Samoa has made a commitment to seek a larger and more permanent space for civil society voices at the Pacific Islands Forum. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi made the pledge yesterday to civil society heads at their official breakfast meeting with the Forum Troika, leaders who are past, present and future chairs.

The executive director of the Pacific Islands Association of NGOs says she was pleasantly surprised at the support and consensus from leaders at the breakfast. PIANGO executive director Emele Duituturaga said having a permanent civil society space for engagement with the Forum would be beneficial for the region as a whole. She said Tuilaepa had said he would push for a space for all 16 Forum leaders and not just the Forum chairpersons, to meet with civil society and listen to what they have to say. RNZI