Latest Press Statement
05 June 2012
Forum officials and CSOs discuss conflict prevention
Press Release (66/12)
5th June 2012
Some of the participants at the workshop
Forum Regional Security Committee (FRSC) Officials from ten countries together with representatives of civil society and RAMSI officials gathered at the Forum Secretariat on Monday 4 June 2012 for the Second Conflict Prevention Workshop for FRSC Officials.
The theme of the Workshop was “Exploring Pacific Government and Civil Society Roles for Advancing Human Security in the Pacific.”
The Workshop is part of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s and United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) ongoing partnership on peace and human security issues in the region. It was held in the lead up to the annual meeting of the Forum Regional Security Committee which will be held on 6 and 7 June.The workshop aimed to improve understanding, planning and implementation of human security, especially in partnerships between government and civil society.
Following frank and open discussions on the different perspectives of human security by government and civil society, participants were able to identify common ground and points of difference of human security issues, and were further informed of the experiences of the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga where government and civil society have already established effective working relationships leading to improved human security outcomes.
One of the facilitators at the workshop emphasises a point during the discussions
Participants jointly analysed and designed responses to five scenarios in which the human security of individuals and communities were threatened. The analyses and creative responses showed a confluence of government and civil society approaches in tackling human security challenges for the region; and strengths of each sector, key actions, and comparative advantages were discussed and identified.
Participants welcomed the opportunity to improve their understanding of human security. Participants further welcomed the occasion for government and civil society representatives to share and exchange frank views with respect to advancing human security, including the different roles and responsibilities they perform.
An outcome statement from the Workshop will be presented to the Forum Regional Security Committee meeting this week.
ENDS.
