News Briefs

PM encourages closer connection with science
Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 2 November 2012 – Prime Minister Henry Puna says Pacific nations can benefit more from stronger links between a top international body of scientists and high-level policy makers in the Region.
Puna, who is addressing the 29th Meeting of the Science Technology and Resources (STAR) Network in Noumea next week, will be encouraging the independent body of scientists and experts to consider expanding its role with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).
The Prime Minister says the STAR Network can take advantage of its established working relations with the SPC Applied Geoscience (SOPAC) Division by broadening its involvement across the organisation’s wider work programme. The SOPAC Division has been partnered with STAR over many years, offering scientific advice in a range of fields to member countries in the Pacific.
Puna says the Cook Islands has benefitted greatly over the years from this expertise and is encouraging STAR to build on its good relations with SOPAC Division. He says STAR may be able to expand its involvement by interacting with the SPC’s governance systems.
Puna is delivering the keynote address at the STAR meeting, as well as opening the 2nd Meeting of the SOPAC Division, which the Cook Islands has chaired over the past year.

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