STRENGTHENING Pacific voices, both internationally and at home, is key to advancing the Pacific Islands Forum’s (PIFS) priorities and ensuring community impact.
Mechanisms to identify and support Pacific representation in international organisations are being established to boost advocacy and influence.
“Increased Pacific presence in global forums is seen as vital for effective advocacy and policy influence,” said Baron Waqa, the Forum’s Secretary-General
“It aligns with broader regional goals to have people-driven engagement and representation.”
A new 2050 Engagement and Advocacy Plan will unify communication efforts, including collaboration with regional media to raise awareness of Forum priorities.
“The plan will establish tools like champions and messaging guides to support coordinated advocacy, and it emphasises clear communication to ensure Forum work is understood and supported by communities,” he said.
“Regional media partnerships will help bridge information gaps between leadership and citizens, and this initiative supports transparency and accountability while amplifying the Pacific narrative globally.”
The Secretariat continues to operationalise key projects supporting Forum goals with tangible milestones planned for 2026.
The Climate-Based Resilience (CBR) project office is established and expanding, with a fast payment project launching soon.
Waqa said Collaboration with the World Bank remains strong, with funding and staffing prioritisation underway.
“More detailed updates are expected at the next media briefing, signalling ongoing progress.
“This project aims to streamline climate finance delivery to vulnerable communities rapidly, and it complements broader climate adaptation and disaster resilience frameworks.”
The Pacific Centre Leadership Initiative and other regional initiatives will proceed into design and implementation phases in 2026.
“These initiatives respond directly to leadership calls for enhanced regionalism and political cooperation,” said Esala Nayasi, the Forum’s Deputy Secretary General
“The strategy focuses on strengthening unity and collective action against external pressures.
“Early design phases will set foundations for long-term impact aligned with the 2050 Strategy, with Leadership commitment ensuring high-level support and resource allocation for these efforts.”