Climate change continues to pose a significant security threat to the livelihoods, communities, and economic prosperity of people in the Pacific region. This crucial issue was highlighted by Pacific Islands Forum chair Jeremiah Manele during his opening address at the two-day US-Pacific investment summit, titled “The Pacific Agenda — Investment, Security and Shared Prosperity,” held at the East-West Centre’s Keoni Auditorium in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Manele underscored that the concept of security in the Pacific extends beyond conventional defense and military concerns, incorporating a broader range of issues including climate security, economic vulnerabilities, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, cyber threats, and the need for disaster resilience. The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands echoed these sentiments, pointing out that rising sea levels and increasingly frequent natural disasters erode developmental progress and strain national resources. He remarked that the consequences of flooding—like a submerged school or a damaged hospital—are not merely humanitarian crises but also strategic concerns that impact national security.
Manele called for collaborative security efforts that address disaster preparedness, enhance climate response and resilience, improve maritime domain awareness, and tackle illicit activities while safeguarding critical national infrastructure. He emphasized that respecting national sovereignty and priorities is essential for fostering this cooperation.
Highlighting the importance of internal security, Manele noted that it is crucial for promoting development and unity, and for fortifying national systems to maintain security and resilience across Pacific nations. Furthermore, he asserted that security arrangements should aim to strengthen regional stability and cooperation, aligning with the vision presented in the Ocean of Peace Declaration endorsed by Pacific leaders.
This engagement illustrates a growing recognition of the interconnectivity between environmental challenges and security issues, positing that regional cooperation is vital for fostering a peaceful and prosperous future in the Pacific.
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