{"id":8268,"date":"2025-08-28T15:45:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T19:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sdgnews.com\/?p=8268"},"modified":"2025-08-29T07:30:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T11:30:41","slug":"lord-fakafanua-elected-first-chairman-of-new-pacific-interparliamentary-assembly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sdgnews.com\/ar\/lord-fakafanua-elected-first-chairman-of-new-pacific-interparliamentary-assembly\/","title":{"rendered":"Lord Fakafanua Elected First Chairman of New Pacific Interparliamentary Assembly"},"content":{"rendered":"

NATADOLA, Fiji <\/em><\/strong>\u2014 Pacific nations have taken another step toward strengthening regional cooperation with the launch of the Pacific Interparliamentary Assembly (PIPA), a new institution designed to formalize dialogue among parliaments and create a stronger legislative voice for the region on the global stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previously operating as the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group, the shift to PIPA reflects a growing recognition that parliaments must work together not only to share lessons and legislative tools but also to confront cross-border challenges, from climate change to economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During its inaugural proceedings, representatives from Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Solomon Islands, and Palau appointed the Assembly\u2019s first Board. In a unanimous decision, Lord Fakafanua, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, was elected Chairman. His leadership, delegates said, would be central to ensuring the Assembly matures into an influential force within regional governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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(Center: Lord Fakafanua<\/em>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cOur members from the 18 Legislative Assemblies from across the Pacific approved the constitutive documents, rules and procedures for the Assembly. This means that we will be registered as an official organisation under French Polynesian law, as a new Inter-Parliamentary regional organisation.\u201d<\/em> Lord Fakafanua said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The new Board marked the occasion by signing the Statutes of PIPA, setting down the rules and principles that will guide its work. Lord Fakafanua signed on behalf of Tonga, reinforcing his nation\u2019s reputation as a driver of regional initiatives. Delegates also adopted the Natadola Declaration, a statement of intent that commits members to collaboration in pursuit of shared priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI am privileged and honoured to be elected by the Pacific Island parliaments to be the first Chairperson of the Board. We have been mandated to seek partnerships with inter-parliamentary organisations as well as regional organisations to strengthen the goals of the organisation.\u201d<\/em> He continued. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Tahiti was confirmed as host and presidency of the first official PIPA Conference, scheduled for next year. The gathering will bring together parliamentary leaders to develop coordinated approaches on issues ranging from democratic governance to environmental security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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UNGA80<\/div>\n

Official Launch of SDG News – SDG Leaders Luncheon<\/h3>\n

September 25 \u2022 United Nations Headquarters, New York<\/p>\n\n

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\n Hosted on the 10th anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals, this invitation-only luncheon convenes 80 leaders across government, philanthropy, and business \u2014 marking the official launch of SDG News.\n <\/p>\n\n

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