In today’s world, security encompasses much more than just military strength. It includes challenges such as climate change, cyber threats, and the war on drugs, all of which have impacted the Pacific Islands.
Recognizing this broader perspective, 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 inaugural conference was groundbreaking as it highlighted the evolving nature of security and its implications for Pacific Island communities. It also recognized the need for an annual meeting of leading minds in the Pacific to address security challenges as envisioned in the Boe Declaration on Regional Security.
Opening the conference, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka described the Pacific as facing a “polycrisis” involving climate change, transnational crime, human security threats, and growing geopolitical tensions. His words resonated with delegates who emphasized the interconnected nature of these challenges and the need for a unified regional response.
“I believe it is fitting, therefore, 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,” said Rabuka. He underscored the importance of adopting high-level principles to embed peace as a cornerstone of future policies and strategies, reflective of “The Pacific Way,” which values humility, quiet leadership, reconciliation, and communication.
The conference brought together delegates from all Pacific Islands Forum members and representatives from partner organizations like the Forum Fisheries Agency, Oceania Customs Organisation, and the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police. This diverse attendance highlighted the extensive network of the Pacific security community and emphasized the conference’s core message: the importance of solidarity and cooperation in fostering peaceful and prosperous communities across the Blue Pacific.
At the heart of the discussions was the Boe Declaration on Regional Security, a framework advocating a holistic approach to security. Baron Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, emphasized that this strategy integrates social policy, community engagement, and intergovernmental collaboration. He reiterated the importance of adherence to the rules-based international order founded on the UN Charter, noting that geopolitical maneuvering is irrelevant to Pacific peoples focused on resilience and peace.
The conference also stressed the importance of coordination and information sharing between national and regional agencies. Updating laws, boosting technology, and investing in training and infrastructure were seen as essential for promoting national security and resilience in an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable world.
The blending of ancient wisdom, languages, and cultural values with modern security methods was highlighted as crucial for tackling today’s and tomorrow’s problems. The conference also emphasized the need to hear from young people and civil society to create inclusive security plans.
A significant outcome of the conference was the emphasis on creating national security strategies that reflect each forum member’s unique values and priorities. Countries like Nauru, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tonga, and Niue were praised for their efforts in developing national security strategies, while other nations, including Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Australia, were recognized for enhancing their security frameworks.
Climate change remains the largest threat to the lives, security, and well-being of Pacific communities. Discussions focused on declaring a “State of Climate Emergency” and embracing the concept of Loss and Damage under the UNFCCC. The Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility was deemed vital for managing displacement caused by climate change impacts.
Throughout the conference, one message stood out: addressing security threats requires collaboration between governments and communities across the region. Participants recommended that future plans under the Boe Declaration focus on emerging security priorities like maritime security, artificial intelligence, and food security. These would complement ongoing concerns such as climate security, human security, transnational crime, and cyber security.
The conference also reaffirmed the ongoing relevance of the Biketawa Declaration and the value of collective responses to security and humanitarian crises. The importance of unity among existing agencies and the value of regional dialogues (talanoa) for honest and open discussions on security issues was emphasized.
The first Pacific Regional and National Security Conference sparked vital conversations and alliances for the future. As we look to 2050 and beyond, the decisions made here will lay a strong foundation for Pacific security. Participants look forward to the next conference in 2025 at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
PRNSC 2024 demonstrated that Pacific Island countries could tackle complex security challenges through unity and collaboration.