Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka has acknowledged the crucial role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
In his contribution at today’s Leaders Dialogue with civil society and the private sector representatives on the margins of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, PM Rabuka highlighted that CSOs serves as a bridge between the government, the private sector, and the general public.
“While governments are usually the largest actors in small island economies, there are also limits to the services that government can provide. CSOs can help bridge that gap in meeting the needs on the ground,” said the PM.
“There is a need to ensure that civil society organisations continue to thrive.”
The dialogue provided an opportunity for Pacific leaders to discuss and map out strategies for collaborating with CSOs to further advance the interests of the Pacific, particularly in areas such as good governance, sustainable economic and social development, environmental advocacy, and conflict resolution, among other important aspects.
