Piggeries are less of a pollution threat to the reef system if located close to the coastal environment.

Coastal erosion protection or beginning of a reclamation?

Common Local Governance Forum (CLGF)

As a Commonwealth organization, CLGF draws on the influential network of the Commonwealth that provides a solid basis for its programmes and activities. As an associated organization officially recognized by Commonwealth Heads of Government, CLGF is well-placed to influence policy development and lead on democracy and good governance at local level.

CLGF is unique in bringing together central, provincial and local spheres of government involved in local government policy and decision-making. It works to promote and strengthen democratic local government across the Commonwealth and to encourage the exchange of best practice – through conferences and events, programmes and projects, and research and information. Working with national and local governments to support the development of democratic values and good local governance.

CLGF’s strength lies in its membership whose representatives are the key players in local government in the Commonwealth and can be drawn into CLGF’s work as experts and influencers. CLGF has more than 160 members in 40 Commonwealth countries including local government associations, individual local authorities and ministries dealing with local government.

CLGF focuses on four key areas of work:

1. Promotion and advocacy of democratic values and good local governance in the Commonwealth – influencing Commonwealth Heads of Government and Ministerial Meetings and direct Practical support through election monitoring.
2. Exchange of experience among local government practitioners – there is a wealth of experience and good practice within the Commonwealth and CLGF encourages practitioners to share experiences and good practice as widely as possible through research, publications and journals.
3. Practical capacity building support – programmes and projects on the ground, many of which flow as direct outcomes of CLGF’s policy workshops and events. Often regional in nature, they include training, provision of technical assistance and institutional strengthening COMMONWEALTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT FORUM.
4. Development of a Commonwealth wide network of local government – through conferences, international and regional events and the Commonwealth Local Government Good Practice Scheme. As the local government arm of the Commonwealth, CLGF is promoting and helping development of democracy and good governance at local level. CLGF believes that sharing experience, skills and ideas internationally is of significant benefit to those working in local government

The CLGF Pacific Project has an office and resource centre in Suva, Fiji Islands and a sub-office in Port Moresby. The work closely with a growing network of local government partners in the region to share information, ideas and good practice, a technical Advisory Panel, comprising representatives of project member countries and partner agencies and gives policy guidance and direction to the project. 

The New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID), the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), and other regional partners support the project.

Mission:

The Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) works to promote and strengthen effective democratic local government throughout the Commonwealth and to faciliate the exchange of good practice in local vernment structures and servies.

CLGF aims to:

• Ensure that local government is recognized as an important sphere of government nationally and internationally
• Encourage national government to take action to support stronger local governance
• Support its members in developing better and more democratic local governance

Promoting democratic values and
good local governance:

CLGF’s policy in guiding
governments and councils towards supporting democratic values and good local
governance is set out in the Aberdeen Agenda:

Commonwealth principles for local
democracy & good governance agreed by its members in 2005 and endorsed by
Commonwealth Heads of Government as part of the Commonwealth Heads of
Government as part of the Commonwealth fundamental political principles.

Funded by: European Union (EU)

Art Class 

AUSAid Handover of Funds

Objectives:

1. To empower people with disabilities to promote and advocate for their human rights
2. Strengthen collaboration, networking and partnership with government and other key stakeholder
3. To strengthen community based early detection, intervention and support services
4. Promote and enhance awareness of the need for early detection and intervention
5. To improve livelihood opportunities and develop life skills
6. To strengthen community based rehabilitation programme
7. To have accessible, quality and affordable health service for urban and rural based persons with disabilities and their families
8. Support parents of children with disabilities
9. To strengthened inclusive and special education programmes
10. To increase the number of persons with disabilities participating in sporting activities
11. To ensure national construction standards providing access for people with disabilities are fully implemented
12. To improve access to information and communications technologies
13. To enhance awareness of economic, social and cultural issues for women with disabilities

It encompasses selected activities across four prioritized outcome areas and each
activity will contribute to achieving the objectives of the National Disability Policy.

The initiation of this program marks an important milestone for both Governments’
as it strengthens their commitments to the Development for All Strategy and Pacific
Regional Commitments such as the PRSD and the Incheon Strategy in addition to
the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Development
Goal: A human-right based inclusive and barrier free society which advocates for and empowers people with disability.

Program
Goal:“Disability-Inclusive policy and implementation across Government, DPO and services provider organizations.”

Outcomes:

1. Government of Samoa policy and programs increasingly compliant with CRPD

2. Deeper community awareness and support for the rights of women, men, boys and girls with disability and their increased social inclusion

3. Increased accessibility of services (mainstream and disability-specific)

4. Increased participation by women and men with disability in livelihoods and employment 

Government Implementing Agencies:                  

Non Government Organization Agencies: 

1.  Attorney General s Office

2.  Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

3. Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure

4. Ministry of Police and Prison Services

5. Ministry of Health

6. Ministry of Education Sport and Culture

7. Ministry of Finance

8. National Health Services (NHS)

1. Nuanua o le Alofa (NOLA)

2. Samoa Blind Association

3. Aoga Fiamalamalama

4. Loto Taumafai Society

5. Secretary National Council of Churches (SNCC)