The Pacific Islands Forum has called on global and regional partners to better align with the development priorities set by the Pacific region, particularly as it navigates challenges like climate change, transnational crime, and evolving aid dynamics. During the 81st UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) session, Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi highlighted the urgent need for collaboration in addressing these mounting challenges while also detailing the region’s strategic direction.
Nayasi pointed out that while the Pacific region is working to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is increasingly facing global trade tensions and a decrease in development assistance at a time when the demand for resources to combat climate-related issues is at an all-time high. He emphasized a rise in transnational crime activity affecting communities in the Pacific, coinciding with a heightened geopolitical focus on the region’s marine resources.
Despite these pressures, Nayasi reaffirmed the commitment to the long-term vision encapsulated in the “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent” which aims for a resilient future characterized by peace, social inclusion, and prosperity for all Pacific peoples. He praised initiatives such as the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), designed for disaster preparedness and climate adaptation, as a vital regional response.
The Deputy Secretary General also emphasized progress in significant projects such as the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility, which addresses challenges linked to climate-induced migration, and the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED), which seeks to empower development partners to align their support with the region’s strategic goals.
With the 2030 Agenda deadline approaching, Nayasi called for renewed global momentum to accelerate progress while also preparing for future challenges beyond 2030. He welcomed the UN General Assembly’s endorsement of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index as a crucial step in recognizing and responding to the Pacific’s unique vulnerabilities.
Looking ahead, Nayasi indicated that Forum Leaders would consider an “Ocean of Peace” declaration in September, stressing the essentiality of aligned partnerships. He expressed optimism about the future, noting reforms aimed at collaborative strategies that encourage regional resilience and prosperity amidst external pressures.
In addition to the challenges faced, these measures illustrate a robust commitment to regional unity and innovative solutions. By investing in sustainable practices and cooperative frameworks, the Pacific Islands are positioning themselves not only to survive but to thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape.
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