There are nine million people scattered across the Pacific region, which spans one third of the globe’s surface but accounts for less than two percent of its land. In development terms it is one of the most diverse regions in the world. However there is a common set of challenges – geographical isolation, underemployment, shortage of infrastructure and high vulnerability to climate change, to name only a few. All of these present considerable constraints for development. But with improvement in a few key areas many Pacific Island States could see improved growth and quality of life for their populations. Features Rob Jauncey from the World Bank, Caleb Jarvis from Pacific Trade and Invest, and Daniel Rowland from the University of Sydney.