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 move away from relying on the goodwill of others.
In his opening remarks at the 2024 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, Brown highlighted the increasing geostrategic interests faced by the region. He emphasized the ongoing climate crisis, which grows more serious each year, alongside new challenges such as cyber-attacks and transnational crime. Brown reaffirmed the importance of enhancing political solidarity among member nations, stating that they must be prepared to respond to one another’s calls for assistance.
Brown welcomed the opportunity for ministers to discuss ways to strengthen their shared progress and priorities amidst these complex pressures. He insisted that it was critical to be proactive and assertive in their collective approach to achieving their 2050 vision, ensuring that partners align with their goals and aspirations.
He urged open, constructive, and honest dialogue during the discussions, emphasizing the need to fully utilize their time together. As he nears the conclusion of his chairmanship, Brown expressed gratitude to the ministers for their support and cooperation during his leadership. He acknowledged the significance of his role over the past 18 months and the honor it has been for himself and his government to lead the Forum.