THE Pacific Islands Forum (PIFs) is prioritising a unified regional response to rising transnational crime driven by external forces.
Pacific leaders have emphasised the urgency of addressing transnational crime and illicit drug movement across the Pacific, especially impacting Fiji, with continued discussions planned for 2026.
“The Secretariat is advancing a collective regional approach to tackle these issues, recognising varied country-level impacts,” said Baron Waqa, Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum
Esala Nayasi, PIFS Deputy Secretary General, highlighted existing policies and ongoing development of new frameworks to support countries in implementation.
“The Pacific Centre Leadership Initiative will enter a design phase, aiming to strengthen political leadership and regionalism aligned with the 2050 Strategy,’’ he said.
“This approach aims to protect regional unity and solidarity amid external pressures affecting societies and communities.”
Coordination across nine regional organisations and partners like the UN is critical to align priorities and present a united front against security challenges.
Nayasi said Priorities are set directly by leaders through the Leaders Communiqué and fed into the Secretariat’s agenda.
“This coordination ensures that the Forum Secretariat’s work complements broader regional efforts without duplication,’’ he said.
“The collective approach also strengthens the region’s negotiation power in geopolitical discussions.”
His insights also underscore the need for robust mechanisms to maintain unity amid external influence.