Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have officially declared the region an “Ocean of Peace” as part of efforts to protect sovereignty, address climate threats, and tackle the challenges posed by nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific. This significant step comes with the adoption of the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, reaffirming peace as fundamental to the “Pacific Way,” which emphasizes dialogue, consensus, and cultural respect.
Forum members have committed to integrating peace into national and regional policies, focusing on culturally rooted conflict prevention and reinforcing regional cooperation. Additionally, the leaders have underscored their dedication to preventing nuclear contamination, upholding the 1985 South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, and addressing the dangers of unexploded ordnances and remnants of past conflicts. The declaration emphasizes the importance of recognition, remediation, and reparations for affected communities in promoting regional peace.
Climate change is highlighted as a significant threat to regional peace and security, with the leaders advocating for transformative actions under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is viewed as vital for the peace and security of the Blue Pacific Continent.
The declaration also supports sustaining a rules-based international order and protecting the Blue Pacific Ocean from threats such as nuclear proliferation and geopolitical pressure. The move is seen as a continuation of past commitments to regional stability and security, with the 2000 Biketawa Declaration and 2018 Boe Declaration laying the groundwork for collective responses to crises and expanding the security agenda.
The leaders called on all actors to respect Pacific sovereignty and support the integration of the “Ocean of Peace” into international frameworks. They also highlighted the need for long-term investment in inclusive and resilient development, acknowledging the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States.
With the declaration, Forum Leaders aim to position peace alongside climate action, regionalism, and resilience under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The declaration emphasizes peace as a shared, intergenerational responsibility, requiring efforts to protect cultural identities, strengthen governance, and ensure a stable future for the Blue Pacific region.
This initiative represents a hopeful progression for the Pacific community, aiming to foster unity, protect environmental resources, and ensure a peaceful, prosperous future for the region and its peoples. The commitment demonstrates a comprehensive approach to addressing shared challenges while bolstering regional cooperation and stability.
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