In today’s world, security encompasses more than just military might. It involves addressing challenges such as climate change, cyber threats, and the war on drugs, particularly in the Pacific Islands.
Acknowledging this expanded view, the Pacific Regional and National Security Conference (PRNSC) organized by the Pacific Security College (PSC) took place from June 24-26, 2024, at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva.
This groundbreaking conference, the first of its kind, illustrated the changing nature of security and its implications for Pacific Island communities. It underscored the necessity for an annual gathering of top minds in the Pacific focused on tackling security challenges as outlined in the Boe Declaration on Regional Security.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka opened the conference by characterizing the Pacific’s struggles as a “polycrisis” involving climate change, transnational crime, human security threats, and increasing geopolitical tensions. His remarks struck a chord with attendees, who emphasized the interconnected nature of these issues and the need for a collective regional approach to effectively address them.
“I believe it is fitting that at a time of geo-strategic tension, economic uncertainty, and a changing climatic environment, we, who are the ‘custodians of the ocean,’ welcome the proposal that the Pacific is an Ocean of Peace and agree to adopt a number of high-level principles to guide efforts to realize this ambition and embed peace as a cornerstone of future policies and strategies,” said Rabuka.
“An Ocean of Peace must reflect The Pacific Way. While core values and a Pacific identity are shared across the region, local customs and understandings vary. Humility, quiet leadership, reconciliation, and communication run through these definitions. Anyone entering the Pacific will have to tone down and adapt to the Pacific ways. The Ocean of Peace will be the Blue Pacific’s contribution to world order.”
The conference brought together delegates from all Pacific Islands Forum members and representatives from ten partner organizations, including the Forum Fisheries Agency, Oceania Customs Organisation, and the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police. This diverse group highlighted the extensive network of the Pacific security community and emphasized the conference’s central message: the importance of solidarity and cooperation in creating peaceful, safe, and prosperous communities across the Blue Pacific.
Central to the discussions was the Boe Declaration on Regional Security, which promotes a holistic approach to security. Pacific Islands Forum (PIFs) Secretary General Baron Waqa stressed this strategy, noting its integration of social policy, community engagement, and intergovernmental collaboration.
“I wish to reiterate what forum leaders said when I welcomed them to Boe six years ago. Across the Blue Pacific continent, we place great importance on a rules-based international order founded on the UN Charter, adherence to relevant international law, and the resolution of international disputes by peaceful means. Regarding geopolitical competition, my message is simple and clear. Geopolitical maneuvering means nothing to Pacific peoples who have cyclones on the horizon. Geopolitical maneuvering means nothing to those facing sea level rise at their doorsteps. Geopolitical maneuvering means nothing to those focused on building resilience, peace, and prosperity for our families, communities, nations, and our region.”
The conference also highlighted the need for coordination and information sharing between national and regional agencies. Updating laws, enhancing technology, and investing in training and infrastructure were seen as key to promoting national security and resilience in a rapidly changing world.
A significant outcome was the emphasis on developing national security strategies that reflect each forum member’s unique values and priorities. Countries such as Nauru, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tonga, and Niue were praised for their efforts in developing these strategies. Other nations, including Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Australia, were recognized for their ongoing efforts to strengthen their security frameworks.
Climate change remains the biggest threat to the lives, security, and overall well-being of Pacific communities. Discussions focused heavily on declaring a “State of Climate Emergency” and the concept of Loss and Damage under the UNFCCC. The conference also underscored the importance of the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility as a strategy for managing displacement caused by climate change impacts.
The conference participants recommended that future efforts under the Boe Declaration should address new security priorities such as maritime security, artificial intelligence, and food security, alongside continuing concerns like climate security, human security, transnational crime, and cyber security.
Additionally, the ongoing relevance of the Biketawa Declaration and the benefits of collective responses to security and humanitarian crises were highlighted. Participants stressed the importance of unity among existing agencies and valued regional dialogues (talanoa) for honest and open discussions on security issues.
The first Pacific Regional and National Security Conference sparked essential conversations and forged alliances for the future. As we look to 2050 and beyond, the decisions made here will provide a strong foundation for Pacific security. Participants eagerly anticipate the next Conference at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in 2025.
PRNSC 2024 demonstrated how Pacific Island countries can address the complex security challenges of our time through unity and collaboration.