Pacific Islands Development Forum (2019)

From the time that the Pacific Islands Develop- ment Forum was introduced to the Global South at the South-South Development Expo in 2016, it has been one of the most active and visible re- gional cooperation institutions. It has taken great strides in expressing its understanding of the as-pirations of the Small Island Developing States of the Pacific. As one of the newest regional co- operation institutions, the PIDF came into being during the upsurge of South-South and triangular cooperation. Its foundation, strategy and initiatives have reflected a loud South-South voice. Furthermore, I have been impressed at its application of knowledge and how it draws on South-South and triangular partnerships to accelerate its programme of work. Through the South-South in Action series, the UNOffice for South-South Cooperation intended to provide a Forum where partners can relay their ideas to benefit others through a better understanding of what they do and how they do it. The PIDF has been one of the Chief beneficiaries of this approach. The South-South in Action by the Bamboo Technology Institute has led to a Bamboo initiative in the Pacific. We therefore welcome the candid approach that the PIDF have taken to how it sees its place, relevance and impact in the Pacific. We do hope that this publication will help development cooperation in the Pacific through an understanding of the role of the PIDF and the mutual benefits to be gained by optimizing its strengths and comparative advantages.