A motion by SODELPA MP Anare Jale to remove the $1.2M allocation for the Pacific Island Development Forum has been defeated.

Presenting his motion in parliament today, Jale claimed the PIDF is a duplication of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and there is no need for the allocation.

“There needs to be a review because the reason why it was established at that time is really a political move by the government and I think it’s just a duplication of the forum secretariat and now we are back and there needs to be a review”

Clarifying the role of PIDF, Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the organization is not politically attuned to those that donate more funds.

Sayed-Khaiyum says PIDF also gives more opportunities for non-governmental organizations and civil societies to participate in high-level discussions.

“The NGO’s and civil societies do not actively participate in the forum’s activities, it is a very state driven forum, where’s PIDF, is open to non-governmental organization and I’m sure he knows members of NGO’s who have participated in various forums and have been the beneficiary of the forum’s that PIDF has brought about that the Forum Secretariat has not brought about and PIDF has brought about.”

Sayed-Khaiyum says the PIDF has also done a tremendous job to create more awareness on climate change.