Kiribati Development Plan 2016-19

The Kiribati Development Plan (KDP) for 2016-19 is the guide for formulating policies and programs to advance inclusive economic development in Kiribati. The preparation of the plan has been assisted by the production of Ministry Strategic Plans by each Ministry and agency of the Government. As well, discussions about the nature and purpose of the Plan has occurred with civil society and the private sector. They have also provided feedback on drafts of the Plan. The final Plan has been produced after widespread consultation with the Ministries concerned. The lead Division in the preparation of the Plan was the National Economic Planning Office in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. NEPO was ably assisted by Sanjesh Naidu of the Pacific Office of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and Bill Paterson of the Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility.

The KDP 2016-19 takes into account various international obligations that the Government of Kiribati has assented to. These include the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Istanbul Plan of Action, the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and the Framework for Pacific Regionalism. Annex B shows the links between these obligations and the KDP. In particular, all SDG targets and indicators have been reviewed and assessed for relevance to Kiribati’s context, including initial country conditions in each Key Priority Area and accounting for progress possible in the four-year timeframe of this Plan. A pathway approach to progressing towards achievement of the SDG’s has been adopted, cognisant of guiding principles underscored in the 2030 UN Development Agenda, namely the need to account for national realities, capacities, levels of development and respecting national policies and priorities.

All projects that are proposed by Ministries, agencies, NGOs and Island Councils have to be aligned with the principles of the KDP. The KDP provides a framework for development so that donors and government agencies have a clear understanding of the policy directions of the Government. The Plan provides an invaluable reference for development partners in aligning their assistance objectives with the priorities of the Government of Kiribati.