The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has initiated its fifth Prioritisation Workshop (PW5), where Director-General Noan David Pakop emphasized the importance of defining regional priorities to steer the Secretariat’s work program and budgeting effectively. During the workshop, which opened last week, Pakop expressed gratitude to the current Chair for their adept leadership, contributing to a successful first half of the 2025–27 financial year.
Pakop highlighted the workshop’s timing, coinciding with a significant regional accomplishment—the adoption of the South Pacific Albacore Management Procedure at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). He expressed hope that all participants had enjoyed a well-deserved break over the holiday period.
As the new year commences, Pakop acknowledged the shared achievements of the FFA but also underscored the critical work that lies ahead in safeguarding fisheries to benefit Pacific communities. He articulated the collective responsibility of the agency to protect rights to sustainable fisheries that yield substantial social and economic advantages for the Blue Pacific region.
Describing PW5 as a fundamental component of FFA’s annual planning, Pakop stressed that establishing clear priorities is vital for aligning the Secretariat’s resources with the needs of its Members. He stated the workshop serves to systematically gauge the priorities of Members for the upcoming year, thereby enhancing the efficiency of resource allocation and efforts.
Furthermore, Pakop mentioned that the workshop would utilize preliminary findings from the ongoing Country Partnership Agreement review process. This alignment aims to ensure that regional priorities remain attuned to the actual needs of individual nations.
Pakop also pointed out the connection between the prioritisation exercise and broader reform initiatives within the FFA, such as the Independent Refresh, Performance Review, and Strategic Plan Review and Development. Together, these measures are designed to enhance how the Secretariat strategically supports its Members.
The outcomes of PW5 will influence forthcoming staff retreats and divisional planning sessions, promoting coherence between Member priorities and internal planning efforts. Pakop reiterated the value of open and constructive feedback, stating that it is essential for the Secretariat to effectively serve the needs and priorities of its Members.
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