THE Pacific’s collective voice has never been stronger, says Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa.
And he called on leaders to ensure continued peace.
“We must continue to safeguard our region as a zone of peace, promote inclusive development, and ensure the decisions we make today improve the daily lives of Pacific peoples,” Waqa said.
He made the comments at the Forum Foreign Ministers meeting in Suva, Fiji.
The meeting precedes next month’s 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Waqa’s comments came as the Solomon Islands faced pressure from Pacific countries to remain hospitable to all donor partners and governments.
Last month, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele excluded Taiwan from the Honiara talks to the dismay of his counterparts across the region. Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa have advised Manele to be more conciliatory in his approach.
Believed to be under pressure from China, Manele blocked Taiwan’s participation. As pressure from the region mounted for the forum to remain inclusive, Manele also removed invitations for China and the United States.
The foreign ministers’ meeting represents the final high-level opportunity for ministers to refine strategic priorities that will shape the region’s collective agenda in the face of mounting global and regional challenges. Key topics under discussion include the ongoing implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, reform of the Forum’s regional architecture, and strengthening the mechanisms that support regional cooperation.
Ministers will also consider critical initiatives such as the Pacific Resilience Facility and the Pacific Resilience and Emergency Disaster Fund.
Other pressing issues on the agenda include ocean stewardship, legacy nuclear contamination, and enhancing digital connectivity to foster innovation and regional integration.
“This is a defining moment,” Waqa noted.
“Our unity and ambition must match the scale of the challenges we face from climate change to economic resilience.”
The outcomes of the FFMM will be instrumental in shaping the region’s strategic direction, as Leaders prepare for the forum.