30 November – 2 December, 2011, Nadi, Fiji

The Pacific Urban Forum, organized by UN ESCAP Pacific Office, UN Habitat and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) was held between 30 November and 2 December 2011 in Nadi, Fiji. More than 60 people attended, with delegates from Pacific Island countries including Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu along with development partners (Asian Development Bank, AusAID, New Zealand Aid Programme, the Pacific Institute of Public Policy, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility, UNDP and UNFPA), NGOs and academia. The Pacific Urban Forum revisited the Pacific Urban Agenda 2 (2007) and moved discussion forward, centring on mobilising action to address the region’s urban challenges.

The plenary learned of numerous activities and advances in urban policy initiatives undertaken by Pacific Island countries. Dialogue throughout the forum focused on the need for greater leadership and the cultivation of “champions” of urban issues. More effective communication of achievements, the critical role of effective partnerships and the importance of accurate monitoring were also signalled as methods of achieving advancement of the Pacific Urban Agenda.

[Pacific Urban Forum 2011, Delegates ]

The Forum recognised the need to urge the region’s political leadership to acknowledge that the rapid growth of urban populations will continue and must be appropriately addressed to maximize benefits, which can be harnessed if the foundations for successful urban areas in the Pacific are effectively planned. This means planning for cities, towns and urban centres that promote socially inclusive development, coordinate urban policy across all areas of government, adapt to climate change, move boldly to renewable energy, embrace sustainable consumption, engage with traditional land owners and where communities are linked with good communication. An important aspect of effective urban planning is addressing the adaptation challenges posed by climate change. This includes current exposure to natural hazards and the concentration of population and infrastructure in vulnerable coastal areas. The meeting agreed on ways of providing support to the Pacific in urgently addressing the challenges of urbanisation and in enhancing the contribution of urban centers which while strained, are still the engines of economic growth.

The forum ended with a reaffirmed commitment to the Pacific Urban Agenda as a framework for action and participants agreed on key action points to carry forward. A draft outcomes document has been circulated for comment and finalisation is expected in late December 2011.

Documents

Presentations - Day 1

Cafe Discussions

Presentations - Day 2

Presentations - Day 3