This Pacific Sustainable Development Report 2018 (PSDR) is the first quadrennial Pacific progress report on sustainable development. The report outlines high level trends on progress to date, as well as baseline information. The regional report complements national monitoring and reporting and since 2015, three Pacific Islands Forum member countries (Samoa, Kiribati and Australia), have completed their Voluntary National Review processes, and reported to the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. (HLPF). Fiji, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Tonga and Vanuatu are reporting to the 2019 HLPF on sustainable development. The PSDR 2018 highlights the need for increasing the pace of progress towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. It emphasises increasing vulnerabilities through deepening inequalities, and limited access to infrastructure and basic services. The report also emphasises significant opportunities for accelerating our development, including through Pacific specific “know-how” - our ability to adapt to changing situations, our significant biodiversity and oceanic resources, and our ability to work as a Blue Pacific collective. The report reflects on the increasing access to and use of ICT and connectivity such as through more aviation routes. The report reinforces the value of shared stewardship of the Pacific Ocean, and reaffirms the connection of Pacific peoples with each other, and with their natural resources, environment, culture and livelihoods
