CTI-CFF Special Senior Official Meeting 2021 Ends

A SPECIAL meeting of senior officials from six member states of the Coral Triangle commonly known as Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) concluded on Friday 28^th May 2021.

The extraordinary, annual meeting was held virtually following travel restrictions imposed by member country’s due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A statement from the National coordinating Committee says the meeting was rescheduled for this year after it could not be hosted November last year during the height of the COVID-19.

It says the decision to have this meeting was taken in light of some important matters like the annual budget, staffing and recruitment that require the attention of senior officials.

The CTI-CFF multilateral partnership was formed in 2009 by six countries within the Coral Triangle namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.

Speaking during the opening on Thursday, the Chair of the Committee of Senior Officials and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster and Meteorology, Dr. Melchior Mataki, said 2020 and 2021 has been a difficult year for the organization because it has become almost impossible to do anything without having to deal with the effects and impacts of COVID-19.

Despite the challenges faced, Dr Mataki urged member countries to draw strength from the pandemic to grow the organization to one that should see and be committed to its objectives of serving the communities, the economics and livelihoods of the people within the Coral Triangle region.

He thanked the Executive Director and his team at the Regional Secretariat for doing a splendid job in making the connection and ensuring that there is an open and transparent communication link to all CT6 member countries and partners.

The purpose of the Senior Officials Meeting is to make decisions that enable the business of the CTI-CFF to be carried out efficiently and in accordance with the decisions of the CTI Council of Ministers (COM).

Solomon Islands delegation to this special senior officials’ meeting was led by Karl Kuper, Deputy Secretary Cooperate Services in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology.

Other delegates included technical officers from the Environment and Fisheries.

(Article written by Mr Sosimo Narasia; Published in Solomon Star)