by Michelle Amba – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Leaders from around the Pacific are beginning to descend on Port Moresby, as the 46th Pacific Island Forum gets underway in the capital.
Due to begin on Wednesday, many leaders arrived early for discussions prior to the official start date.
A number of the small Pacific island state leaders had an official meeting yesterday, while the Pacific Island Forum Troika, along with the Civil Society Organisation and the Pacific African Caribbean groups all met today.
Deliberations from these lead up meetings will be incorporated into the forum communiqué.
Topics for discussion during the forum will be climate change, enhancing disaster preparedness and reducing cervical cancer for Pacific island women.
Secretary General for Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, Dame Meg Taylor, during her opening remarks at the Small Island States Leaders Meeting (SIS) said this year is a critical point for the region in influencing the course of international affairs.
“The SIS have a role to play in elevating your collective concerns and perspectives on the post-2015 sustainable development goals and the momentum towards the 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference,” she said.
