MSG SECRETARIAT & ASIA PACIFIC CENTRE FOR THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT (R2P) DISCUSS POSSIBILITY OF COOPERATION

PORT VILA, VANUATU (10 August 2021): Consultations have begun between the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat and the University of Queensland’s Asia Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) on possible areas of collaboration.

On behalf of the MSG Secretariat’s Acting Director General, George Hoa’au, Manager for Political and Security Affairs (PSA) programme, Ilan Kiloe acknowledged the Centre for the opportunity to engage.

A brief update of the Secretariat’s own programmes were provided to the APR2P, a project that focuses on the prevention of atrocity crimes and the protection of vulnerable communities in the Asia Pacific region.

Potential areas initially identified included broad areas of Climate Change, Governance and Political Stability – all of which are linked to the five strategic priorities of the security strategy namely border and marine; cyber security, transnational crime; disaster and mechanics for managing climate change risk through proper coordination.

APR2P Pacific Director, Romulo Nayacalevu, said they can now work on strategies of delivery given that potential areas had been identified. He added that the programme was happy to support MSG members.

Following further discussions into other areas, the possibility of developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be drawn up to formalize this working relationship.

Caption: Participants of today's virtual talks with APR2P.