Honiara, Solomon Islands — Forum Foreign Ministers on Friday endorsed a regional response mechanism under the Biketawa Declaration to tackle an emerging energy crisis that is increasingly threatening Pacific economies, services and household livelihoods. The Special Session of the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, held virtually on 22 May and chaired from Honiara by Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela, formalised ministers’ support for a coordinated Pacific approach after leaders invoked the Biketawa Declaration last month.
Ministers told the meeting they are already seeing the effects of rising energy prices, uncertain fuel supplies and wider disruptions linked to the prolonged Middle East conflict, with impacts reverberating across transport, shipping, aviation, public services and everyday living costs. “The decision by Leaders to invoke the Biketawa Declaration, and to convene this Special Session of the FFMM, reflects the seriousness with which the Forum is approaching this evolving situation,” Houenipwela said, stressing the need for regional solidarity, coordinated planning and timely collective action.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa warned that the Blue Pacific remains highly exposed to external shocks transmitted through global fuel markets and international supply chains. He told ministers the regional assessments prepared by agencies showed vulnerabilities in connectivity and essential services that could deepen if disruptions continue. “These pressures are now beginning to intersect across Pacific economies, with direct implications on essential services, connectivity, economic resilience and the livelihoods of our people,” Waqa said.
A key outcome of the Special Session was the endorsement of a mechanism to guide the Forum’s collective response under the Biketawa Declaration. Ministers also acknowledged recent work by the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) — including the establishment of a dedicated CROP Taskforce in recent weeks — to compile regional data, analysis and advice to inform leaders’ decisions. The taskforce will provide the evidence base ministers said is needed to prioritise actions and target assistance where risks to services and vulnerable communities are greatest.
The meeting reaffirmed the continuing relevance of the Biketawa Declaration as a Pacific-led instrument for coordination and mutual support in times of regional crisis. Ministers agreed to remain closely engaged as the situation unfolds and to use the newly endorsed mechanism to streamline regional decision-making, though the session did not set out a public timetable of concrete measures or funding arrangements.
The Special Session represents a rapid follow-up to leaders’ invocation of Biketawa last month, signalling an escalation in regional diplomatic coordination as governments confront immediate energy pressures. For island economies heavily reliant on imported fuel and maritime connections, ministers said a prompt, coordinated response will be essential to protect critical services, keep supply lines open and ease compounding economic hardship for households and businesses.
Forum Members will continue consultations in the coming days and weeks to refine the mechanism and allocate responsibilities among regional agencies and member states. The FFMM outcome stresses that any regional action will be guided by member priorities and the practical needs of Pacific communities affected by the unfolding energy shock.