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The 2011 Pacific Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Tracking Report recognises that the MDGs were intended as global targets; therefore they do not need to be, nor are they necessarily expected to be achieved in each and every country. This is especially true perhaps amongst many of the Pacific Islands Countries (PICs) which already had MDG and related human development indicators above the benchmark global averages set for 1990. Further, countries were encouraged to “localize” the global indicators to suit local circumstances and priorities. In the Pacific Papua New Guinea (PNG), which was well below global averages for many indicators at the time the MDGs were agreed, has set itself more meaningful targets for many of the Goals. It has thus given itself a realistic chance of achieving substantial improvements in human development, even if they fall somewhat short of the global targets. Other countries have added their own Goals, notably Cook Islands and Niue which have identified specific additional Goals on governance and sustainable population respectively; still others have localized the goals where some indicators have not been relevant, e.g. those PICs in which malaria is not endemic have focused on reducing the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) instead.

The 2010 Pacific Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Tracking Report recognises that the MDGs were intended as global targets; therefore they do not need to be, nor are they necessarily expected to be achieved in each and every country. This is especially true perhaps amongst many of the Pacific Islands Countries (PICs) which already had MDG and related human development indicators above the benchmark global averages set for 1990. Further, countries were encouraged to “localize” the global indicators to suit local circumstances and priorities. In the Pacific Papua New Guinea (PNG), which was well below global averages for many indicators at the time the MDGs were agreed, has set itself more meaningful targets for many of the Goals. It has thus given itself a realistic chance of achieving substantial improvements in human development, even if they fall somewhat short of the global targets. Other countries have added their own Goals, notably Cook Islands and Niue which have identified specific additional Goals on governance and sustainable population respectively; still others have localized the goals where some indicators have not been relevant, e.g. those PICs in which malaria is not endemic have focused on reducing the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) instead.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination (the “Compact”); its objectives, guiding principles, key deliverables and intended benefits to Forum Island Countries and Development Partners. It also provides an outline of work to date undertaken by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in coordinating and progressing the implementation of the Compact.