Pacific civil society organizations have called on Forum Leaders to prioritize the preservation and advancement of civil spaces at the commencement of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. They stressed the urgent need for enhanced national coordination and international cooperation to tackle the challenges posed by the extractive industries and climate change to Pacific communities.
The civil society delegation, led by Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, included notable figures such as Sepesa Rasili from the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (PIANGO), Grayham Tahu from the Apunepara Haamwaora Natural Resource Association in the Solomon Islands, and Sharon Bhagwan Rolls from the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC). Their joint statement comes at a pivotal time as Pacific Leaders discuss the future direction of the Pacific Islands Forum and its regional framework.
During a thirty-minute discussion, they emphasized the critical importance of amplifying community voices on key issues like climate change, sustainable development, gender equality, human rights, ocean protection, and regional collaboration. Their dialogue reflected the diverse aspirations and experiences of communities across the Pacific.
Sepesa Rasili, president of the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), expressed deep concern over the growing trend of governments limiting the participation of civil society representatives, including church and traditional leaders. He warned that the overall well-being of the region is endangered by the reduction of safe civil spaces.
“Safe civil spaces are shrinking at an alarming rate as governments increasingly limit the effective recognition and engagement of leaders across civil society and communities, as well as leaders within faith,” Rasili stated. He urged Forum Leaders to collaborate with civil society in decision-making processes and to empower all, especially women and marginalized groups.
The regional civil society organizations also reiterated their strong support for youth in promoting the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent, emphasizing their commitment to resilience through localization. Rasili added, “Our support is crucial, and I implore our leaders to provide it without piling debt on our people.”
He highlighted the need for stronger local systems and national coordination mechanisms to foster regional linkages and strategies. Rasili called for increased support for the Pacific peoples’ rightful claims to self-determination, particularly those of the West Papuans. In discussing the role of Tongan Civil Society, he referred to the indigenous Tongan concept of “pikipiki hama kae vaevae manava,” which signifies collective learning and readiness as the region strives toward the 2050 vision of a Blue Pacific Continent.