PACIFIC CONFERENCE ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: BUILDING
BETTER PACIFIC ECONOMIES
JOSEPH FOUKONA
BACKGROUND
The second Oceania Development Network’s
conference was held at the University of Papua New Guinea from 12-14th October,
2005. The theme of the conference was “Building Better Pacific
Economies”.
The conference brought together researchers around the
Oceania region who are part of the Oceania Development Network to exchange
views, present papers etc on issues affecting the region. Participants in the
conference came from various institutions in the Oceania region and abroad.
The official welcome was made by the Acting Vice Chancellor, University
of Papua New Guinea. The key note address was given by the Hon. Patrick
Pruaitch, Minister for Forests on behalf of Hon Arthur Somare, Minister for
National Planning and Rural Development who was unavailable. In his key note
address the Minister emphasised the interrelationship between natural resources
and development.
CONFERENCE SET UP
The conference was held
at the University of Papua New Guinea. It was an appropriate venue for engaging
in scholarly discussion and networking. The conference was for three days. The
Main Lecture and Arts Lecture Theatre were the two places where the sessions
were held.
Plenary Session
The speaker for the plenary
session on the 12th October 2005 was Prof. Tony Angelo, Victoria University of
Wellington. One of his main criticisms of the conference was the focus on the
link between law and development. On the 13th October 2005, Dr. Billy Manoka,
University of Papua New Guinea was the plenary speaker. Dr. Manu Barchan, Massey
University was the plenary speaker on the last day of the conference, 14th
October 2005. He spoke on new public management and the alternative service
delivery in less developed countries.
Other Sessions
On the
morning of the 12th October 2005, there were two sessions. These two sessions
focused on issues relating to: (a) Security and Nation Building; and (b)
Elections and Security. The author of this report presented a paper entitled
“Democracy through Solomon Islands Electoral System”. The afternoon
sessions looked at: (a) Education and Health; and (b) Impact of Rich Country
Policies. This was followed by a policy session on Peace and
Development.
On the 13th October 2005, the respondent to the plenary
speaker was Prof. John Overton, Massey University. This was followed by four
sessions that focused on: (a) Public Expenditure Participation; (b) Economic
Growth and Development; c) Regionalism and Integration and d) Regional
Development. The presenters were from the University of Papua New Guinea
National Research Institute (PNG); University of the South Pacific and the
Samoan National University.
The sessions in the afternoon focused on
Agriculture/Resources and the Corporate Sector. Donald Marahare who is the
Project Assistant for the University of the South Pacific School of Law -
Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute, presented a paper entitled:
“Provincial Governments and Management of Forest Resources in Solomon
Islands.” A policy session concerning Economy and Natural Resources was
held after the two afternoon sessions.
On the 14th October 2005, the
respondent to the plenary speaker was Prof. Graham Hassall, University of the
South Pacific. Later in the morning there were two sessions focusing on: (a)
Institutions and Service Delivery; and (b) Informal Sector. The two sessions in
the afternoon were on (a) Rural/Regional Development and (b)
Tourism/Institutions. Finally, there was a policy session on Governance and
Institutions.
Closing
The conference ended by a Vote of
Thanks from Dr. Mahendra Reddy and Dr. David Kavanamur. At this same session the
position of the Chair of the Oceania Development Network was handed over to Dr.
David Kavanamur, University of Papua New Guinea. The position of the Chair was
initially held by Dr. Mahendra Reddy, University of the South Pacific.
REMARKS
This was an important three day conference that
focused on development issues affecting Oceania island states. It allowed for
researchers in the region and abroad to engage in dialogue as well as sharing
their knowledge and skills. The conference demonstrated the value of networking
and the sharing of views as a means to influence policy initiatives in the
Oceania region.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I wish to thank the Law School, USP for their support. The Oceania Development Network is also thanked for providing the funding to enable this reporter to attend the conference.