Mark Brown, the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), has called on Foreign Affairs Ministers from the region, who convened in Suva on Friday, to refrain from relying on the goodwill of others. During his opening address at the 2024 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, Mr. Brown highlighted the growing geostrategic interests that the region faces.
“We are continuously grappling with a climate crisis that worsens year after year,” he stated. He emphasized the need to address new challenges, including cyber-attacks and transnational crime, while reinforcing regional political solidarity to ensure a cohesive response when one member seeks assistance.
Mr. Brown stressed the critical importance of collective solidarity amid these pressures and expressed satisfaction that the ministers were dedicating time to strengthen shared priorities. He noted that depending on the goodwill of others is no longer an option if they wish to achieve their collective vision for 2050.
“To achieve our aspirations, we must engage more strategically and assertively,” he remarked. He encouraged the ministers to be candid and constructive in their discussions, making the most of the opportunity presented at the meeting.
As his tenure as chair comes to an end, Mr. Brown thanked the ministers for their collaboration and support throughout his time leading the Pacific Islands Forum. He expressed his gratitude and honor for the role he has held, acknowledging the contributions of all members over the past 18 months.