Several leaders and ministers from the Pacific Islands Forum are currently convening in Honolulu for the U.S–Pacific Investment Summit, which runs from February 22 to 24. This event aims to advance the region’s economic goals and strengthen strategic partnerships with the United States.
Leading the Forum delegation is Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, accompanied by Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa. The summit, themed “The Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security, and Shared Prosperity,” is taking place at the East West Centre and is co-hosted by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
Over the three-day summit, leaders will engage in discussions with high-ranking U.S. government officials and private sector executives through targeted roundtable meetings. This strategic forum aims to unlock new investment opportunities, foster economic cooperation, and bolster regional resilience.
The summit underscores the mutual commitment of the United States and Pacific Island nations to promote sustainable growth, enhance economic security, and achieve long-term prosperity in the Blue Pacific region.
Prime Minister Manele emphasized the need for engagement based on transparency, mutual respect, and long-term dedication to effective development that prioritizes the needs of the people. He noted the significance of building sustainable partnerships that align with regional priorities highlighted in the Leaders Policy on Partnerships, which guides the Forum’s new Partnership Mechanism.
Key priority sectors for collaboration include infrastructure development, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, energy security, tourism, agriculture, food security, and telecommunications. These areas are part of the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development, which outlines the Forum’s collective economic development priorities.
This initiative reflects a hopeful vision for the Pacific Islands, aiming to create a more integrated and prosperous future through collaboration and investment in vital sectors.
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