climate change

The Pacific is a region of great diversity and high vulnerability, and as such has long presented as a unique case for targeted support to advance development, and ensure its sustainability. Progress under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) was uneven across the region. Most countries managed to reduce child mortality and achieve access to universal primary education, yet very few made gains in poverty reduction or gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. The Pacific Roadmap for Sustainable Development, endorsed by Pacific leaders in September 2017, outlines the region’s transition from the MDGs and presents the collective approach to achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the context of national plans and priorities, the SAMOA Pathway and the Framework for Pacific Regionalism. By design, there is a high degree of coherence across the 2030 Agenda, SAMOA Pathway and Framework for Pacific Regionalism, all being premised on the indivisible linkages between the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainable development. Together with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, they present a transformative shift in advancing sustainable development in the Pacific. The Pacific Roadmap for Sustainable Development builds on the strong leadership demonstrated by the Pacific in shaping the global agenda, and reaffirms the regional priorities for sustainable development. This report synthesises the current status of these priority issues, namely: Climate change and disasters related to natural hazards; Oceans and fisheries; Poverty reduction, reducing inequality and improving quality of education; Improving connectivity; Non-communicable diseases; and Empowering women and girls and people with disabilities.