Baron Waqa, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, reaffirmed the unity and presence of the Pacific region on the global stage following the conclusion of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held in Honiara. During a press briefing, Waqa emphasized that Forum leaders have maintained robust engagement throughout the year, participating in significant international events such as COP30 and the 80th United Nations General Assembly. He declared, “The Pacific is united, and the Pacific is present,” highlighting the consistent message emanating from the region.
This year’s Forum theme, “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent,” captures both the solidarity among member nations and the challenges posed by an evolving geopolitical landscape. Waqa pointed out the unprecedented level of geopolitical interest in the Pacific, which brings both opportunities and responsibilities. He noted that the end of the year serves as a pivotal opportunity for reflection and future planning.
The Secretary General identified regional unity as a cornerstone of the Forum’s mission, describing it as the primary political platform for dialogue and collaborative decision-making within a complex geostrategic context. He reinforced the importance of maintaining unity, stating, “In a highly contested geostrategic environment, unity matters more than ever,” and affirmed the Forum’s commitment to preserving a strong cooperative front.
Waqa also mentioned advancements made toward realizing the Blue Pacific Vision through the Ocean of Peace Declaration, which signifies the region’s dedication to peace, stability, and collaborative efforts. He stressed the importance of this declaration in defining the region’s approach to external engagements, emphasizing security through dialogue rather than division.
Moreover, Waqa highlighted ongoing initiatives tied to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which includes progress in areas such as climate resilience and economic connectivity. He indicated that a crucial element of this strategy involves a review of regional institutions aimed at enhancing coordination, cutting down redundancy, and improving efficiency across the regional system.
Looking forward, Waqa stated that the focus for the coming year would heavily revolve around implementing strategies and fostering better integration within the regional framework, with an emphasis on resilience to climate change and continued economic connectivity. He expressed expectations for improved collaboration across the regional system, coordinated by the Forum Secretariat to ensure alignment of political intentions with actionable outcomes.
In terms of global engagement, Waqa affirmed the Pacific’s intent to participate confidently on its own terms, guided by the 2026 Leaders’ Policy on Partnerships, aimed at fostering transparent, aligned partnerships that bolster regional priorities amidst escalating global interest in the Pacific. While disappointed that Australia will not host a Pacific COP next year, he welcomed the nation’s commitment to collaborate with Turkey for COP31, with initiatives such as a pre-COP leaders’ summit planned for the Pacific in 2026. Waqa viewed this as an opportunity to advance crucial Pacific priorities, particularly related to climate change and access to climate finance.
In essence, the Pacific Islands Forum is poised to strengthen its collaborative efforts in the face of global challenges, emphasizing a united approach to securing the region’s interests and advocating for its priorities on the world stage.
Leave a comment