Mark Brown, the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), has urged foreign affairs ministers from the region, who convened in Suva on Friday, to avoid relying on the goodwill of others. In his opening remarks at the 2024 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, Mr. Brown emphasized that the region is facing escalating geostrategic interests.
He acknowledged the ongoing climate crisis, which worsens each year, and highlighted the new challenges such as cyber-attacks and transnational crime that the region must navigate. Mr. Brown stressed the importance of political solidarity within the forum, ensuring that member states can effectively respond to one another’s calls for assistance.
He expressed his satisfaction with the ministers taking the time to discuss ways to enhance shared priorities and progress despite the mounting pressures they face. “We can no longer rest on our laurels and depend on the goodwill of others. If we are to achieve our common vision for 2050, we need to engage more strategically and assertively,” he stated.
Mr. Brown encouraged open, constructive, and honest dialogue among the ministers to maximize their collaborative efforts. He also took a moment to thank the ministers for their support as he nears the end of his chairmanship.
As his tenure comes to a close, he recognized the contributions of all members present, expressing that it has been an honor for himself and his government to serve in this capacity over the past 18 months.