The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has come a long way from its humble inception as a minute pressure group within the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to a bloc within Melanesia, representing the largest economies and natural resource ownership, coupled with an established Secretariat, turning 37 this year on March 14th.
Its name, ‘MSG,’ was coined when the Leaders met in Goroka, Papua New Guinea, in 1986, six years after the first informal meeting in the Prime Minister’s (PM) Office in Honiara in 1980, soon after the Santo rebellion. The meeting was attended by the PM of Papua New Guinea, the late Sir Julius Chan; the PM of Solomon Islands, the late Sir Peter Kenilorea; and the PM of Vanuatu, the late Father Walter Lini.
The MSG has a comparative advantage over other countries within the Blue Pacific, as collectively it constitutes the largest population (86%), land mass (98%), GDP (91%), almost half of the EEZ, and approximately 90% of the natural resources in the PIF area. Hence, there is a corresponding responsibility to be at the forefront of regional cooperative and collective actions, seeking to better serve and respond to the needs of our people, as mandated by the Leaders.
In the words of the MSG Chair and Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Honourable Jotham Napat, “Today marks yet another chapter in our common history where we gather to celebrate the successes, remind ourselves of the ongoing challenges, and accept responsibility for the things we could have done better in the pursuit of our goals and vision, as contained in the Principles of Cooperation Amongst Independent Melanesian States and the Agreement Establishing the MSG, signed in 1988.”
MSG Day 2025 was commemorated with a celebration officiated by the Hon. Napat at the Warwick Le Lagon in Port Vila, Vanuatu—home of the MSG Secretariat.
In his keynote address, Chief Guest Hon. Napat said that the MSG has proven many skeptics wrong by demonstrating Melanesia’s place in regional and global affairs through the wisdom and de decisions of our Leaders.
Under Vanuatu’s Chairmanship, the MSG has achieved significant milestones, including the overwhelming adoption of the UN Resolution seeking the ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Responsibility of States with respect to climate change. Following this, submissions have been made to the ICJ by MSG member countries; the MSG joint submission with Vanuatu at the ICJ set the scene for other Pacific MSG submissions; the institution of the long-outstanding Father Lini Scholarship; the implementation of the overdue MSG Leaders mandate to fly the MSG flag in all member capitals and diplomatic missions; trademark registration of the MSG logo; and the revival of the MSG PMs Cup, among many others.
Indeed, the original idea of establishing the MSG was to help advocate for the emancipation of the Kanaks in New Caledonia from colonialism, and work continues to progress in this crucial area.
Another highlight is the fact that the MSG Trade Agreement is the only successful free trade agreement among the members of a sub-region in the entire Pacific. This will soon be succeeded by a Melanesian Free Trade Agreement (MFTA) that includes the services sector, allowing for Skills Movement, sharing of educational services, and cross-border investments, among others.
Acting Director General (ADG) of the MSG Secretariat, Ilan Kiloe, said the occasion is a day to celebrate the vision set forth by the founding fathers of Melanesia, who recognised that despite diverse cultures, traditions, and languages, it is possible to unite for a common destiny, ignited by the passion to safeguard, protect, empower, and serve the people of Melanesia.
“With the fitting theme of MSG Day this year, which is ‘Empowering Melanesia,’ we at the Secretariat continue to firmly believe in our Leaders’ vision, as encapsulated in the ‘Six Agreed Principles of Cooperation.’”
He noted that, currently without a permanent office due to earthquake damage, the Secretariat staff have been quietly working from various locations, including the MSG official residence at Bellevue and the ‘Nasara’ next to the MSG office.
“This predicament,” he said, “presents a perfect time to show our spirit of Melanesian resilience that has carried MSG over the years and rise to the challenge to make a difference.”
ADG Kiloe also announced the concept of the ‘Haos blong Melanesia,’ which is currently being worked on by the Secretariat and will be the new home of the MSG Secretariat—the embodiment of the MSG Vision.
“We look forward to combining efforts with the Membership and the Host Government on its reconstruction, and if successful, it is envisaged that similar projects could also be implemented in strategic locations, including in member states where land is afforded by member governments,” he added.
With key challenges continuing to plague our region and Blue Pacific, the need for a concerted effort is now even more imperative. We must ensure that the MSG not only remains a strong bloc but also continues to be relevant in advancing national and collective regional interests for the betterment of our future.
Mrs. Tamani is in charge of Media & Communications at the MSG Secretariat.
