Search

Reduce inequality within and among countries : Pacific SIDS require special assistance to guarantee a share in the benefits of sustainable development. Their role in international organisations, with respect to membership and voting rights, is one element in this process; Goal 10 also seeks to measure inequality within countries, by looking at the change in per capita income or consumption of the poorest four-tenths of the population relative to the national average.

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Finance : Goal 17 encapsulates the need for a transformational approach to development if prosperity, equality for all and a protected environment, are to be achieved. This includes harnessing policy coherence, developing multi-stakeholder partnerships, accessing public and private finance, durable trading relationships, effective adoption of science and technology, and improving collection and use of data; While understanding that Pacific countries are responsible for their own sustainable development, addressing many sustainable development challenges requires enhanced cooperation and international support. ODA and other external development financing streams remain significant in many countries; The integration of the SDGs into national and regional planning and budgeting brings an unprecedented demand for data and information. The strength and development of national statistical systems is covered in Goal 17.

End poverty in all its forms everywhere : Poverty in the Pacific is focused on hardship and lack of economic opportunity and social exclusion. While food and extreme poverty remains relatively low, an estimated one in four Pacific islanders are likely to be living below their country’s basic-needs poverty line (BNPL). Children are especially vulnerable to poverty and inequality because of their dependency on adults for care and protection, and for food. Deprivation and lost opportunities in childhood can have detrimental effects that may persist throughout a child’s life. If a child does not receive adequate nutrition, stunting may result, and intellectual development may be impaired. Poorly nourished children are more vulnerable to disease, tend to perform worse in school, and less likely to be productive adults.

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation : Information and communications technology can mitigate the challenges of distance and isolation. Individual use of mobile phone technology is generally widespread, although the technology available varies significantly across the region. Manufacturing can be a key promoter of economic development and employment. In most Pacific countries however, formal employment in manufacturing remains low and value added manufacturing a small share of GDP.

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss : Most countries in the region retain sizeable sections of forested area, although habitat loss continues to be a risk due to unsustainable logging practices and forest conversion for plantation and agricultural uses. Invasive species are the leading cause of species extinction on island ecosystems and can impact food and economic security. A regionally co-ordinated response is in place for the management of invasive species in the Pacific; Ecosystem-based approaches are being integrated into national and sector plans, with potential benefits including enhanced livelihood opportunities and food security; increased biodiversity conservation; and improved carbon sequestration and sustainable water management. The Red List Index, is an indicator of changes in biodiversity and species extinction risk over time.

Contains available data on Pacific Sustainable Development Indicators selected by the region and endorsed by Forum Leaders in the Pacific Roadmap for Sustainable Development. Data is collated from a number of sources, including national household collections, civil registry data, education management information systems, health information systems, treasury papers, and published reports from countries and development partners.

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all : Overall, economic trends in the Pacific region have been positive, yet inconsistent. The restricted economic bases of Pacific Island countries are highly sensitive to external economic shocks (including commodity price fluctuations, supply chain disruptions and financial stress), natural events (such as cyclones, floods and droughts) and costs of adaptation to climate change; nternal employment factors in the Pacific compound these external factors. The size of the informal economy; gender gaps and imbalances; and high youth unemployment/underemployment are issues that can be monitored under Goal 8; Tourism is an important sector of growth and development in the Pacific, providing foreign exchange earnings, employment and income earning opportunities for many Pacifc islanders. Tourism is one of the region’s few economically viable sectors, and its share in national GDPs is monitored in this goal.

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development : The Blue Pacific continent contains and supports the most extensive and diverse coral reefs in the world, the largest tuna fishery, the deepest oceanic trenches and the healthiest and in some cases, largest remaining populations of many globally threatened species such as whales and dolphins, sea turtles, dugongs, sharks and stingrays; Goal 14 will monitor regional efforts in integrated and sustainable ocean management and conservation, adaptation, mitigation and biodiversity activities.

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all : The following Pacific priority actions relate to Goal 7: a) reaching universal access to energy; b) increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix; c) energy efficiency measures in the transport, industry, and building sectors; d) institutional, legislative and regulatory reforms in the energy sector; e) collecting, centralizing, analysing and disseminating energy-related data and policy relevant information; Several countries have reported increases in the share of population accessing electricity over the last decade, with the increase in national electrification levels largely coming from household access to off-grid systems such as photovoltaic solar home systems. Many countries have achieved, or are close to achieving, universal access to electricity, resulting in gains in the average electrification rate in the region. In PNG, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands however, there remain significant gaps in electricity and/or fossil fuel access; Some low-income households still use little petroleum fuel or electricity due to high costs, even though these can be easily accessed; Given the potential impact, overall energy efficiency investments at the national level appear more attractive than renewable energy but have generally not been a priority of countries nor development partners.

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns : Inadequate waste management practices and restricted land availability are contributing to increased volumes of solid and hazardous wastes in the region; Organic waste constitutes approximately 44 per cent of the waste stream, and over 80 percent of ocean litter is derived from land-based sources; There is currently limited data on recycling rates and hazardous waste treatment in the Pacific, although these are identified as priorities for sustainable development.