PIPA’s Objectives
PIPA was created to provide a permanent institutional framework for cooperation among Pacific parliaments and legislatures.
Its objectives are defined in Article 2 of the PIPA Statutes and reflect a broader ambition: to strengthen the contribution of parliamentary institutions to democratic governance, Pacific regionalism and the region’s engagement with the wider world.
Connecting Pacific parliaments
PIPA promotes inter-parliamentary contacts, dialogue, cooperation and exchange among Pacific legislatures.
It enables parliamentarians to share experience across jurisdictions, learn from different institutional and political systems, and develop stronger professional and political relationships across the region.
Providing a parliamentary voice for the Pacific
PIPA seeks to serve as a representative regional platform for Pacific legislative assemblies, including in engagement with regional and international institutions.
It provides a space in which parliamentarians can discuss matters of common concern and, where members agree, develop common initiatives, perspectives and resolutions.
Strengthening Pacific regionalism
PIPA contributes a distinct parliamentary dimension to regional cooperation.
It seeks to ensure that regional policy debates benefit from pluralistic parliamentary input and that regional commitments can be connected more systematically with the legislative, budgetary, representative and oversight functions of member parliaments.
This includes contributing to implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and other regional priorities while respecting the respective roles of governments, regional organisations and national legislatures.
Supporting good governance and democratic institutions
PIPA promotes principles of good governance, transparency, inclusivity, accountability and respect for human rights, while recognising the diversity of Pacific political systems, cultures and customary traditions.
Through dialogue and peer exchange, the Assembly seeks to support strong, representative and responsive parliamentary institutions.
Supporting stronger legislatures
PIPA facilitates peer learning, technical cooperation and capacity development among its members.
This can include exchanges between parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, thematic policy dialogue, institutional development, access to regional and international expertise, and cooperation between legislatures facing similar challenges.
Particular attention is given to ensuring that smaller and more remote Pacific legislatures can participate effectively in regional parliamentary cooperation.
Developing collective parliamentary action
Where members identify common interests, PIPA can facilitate joint initiatives, parliamentary dialogue and resolutions on matters of regional concern.
The Assembly provides a mechanism through which parliamentarians can complement executive diplomacy and contribute to international dialogue, peace, sustainable development and the articulation of Pacific priorities.
Preserving parliamentary autonomy
PIPA cooperation does not affect the sovereignty, constitutional responsibilities or independent mandates of its members.
Each legislature remains fully responsible for its own decisions. PIPA’s role is to create opportunities for cooperation and collective parliamentary engagement where members consider this useful.