Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the increasing significance of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) during the 53rd meeting of Forum Leaders in Tonga. Wong stated that collaboration among members is essential to achieve shared objectives, such as creating jobs, enhancing health services and education, ensuring community safety, and combating climate change.
“The PIF is where 18 Pacific nations, including Fiji and Australia, unite to tackle challenges and pursue common goals,” Wong explained. She noted that for over five decades, PIF members have worked towards building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, facilitating progress.
Wong underscored that the PIF is particularly crucial now, given the pressing issues facing the region. Notably, this week’s meeting includes leaders such as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Australia views these discussions as a vital opportunity to understand Pacific leaders’ priorities.
Wong highlighted the Pacific nations’ desire to be better prepared for natural disasters, such as cyclones and floods. In response, Australia and New Zealand recently announced significant investment in humanitarian warehouses across the Pacific to stock emergency supplies for timely response when disasters strike.
She also pointed out that climate change poses the most significant threat to the region. Australia plans to transition to cleaner energy, aiming for 82 percent of its energy mix to come from renewable sources by the end of the decade as part of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Furthermore, Australia is committed to supporting Pacific nations in addressing the impacts of climate change.
Wong concluded by affirming the importance of the Pacific Islands as a home for Australia and its commitment to contributing to the PIF to ensure a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region for the future.