The Pacific Islands Forum (PIFS) is taking significant steps towards a coordinated regional response to the growing challenges of transnational crime and the illicit drug trade, which pose serious threats to Pacific nations, particularly Fiji. In light of these issues, Pacific leaders have underscored the urgency of developing a unified approach, with ongoing discussions set to continue into 2026.
Baron Waqa, Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, emphasized the need for a collective strategy to effectively address transnational crime, acknowledging the differing impacts these challenges have on individual countries within the region. “The Secretariat is advancing a collective regional approach to tackle these issues, recognising varied country-level impacts,” Waqa stated.
Esala Nayasi, Deputy Secretary General of PIFS, highlighted existing policies and the ongoing development of new frameworks designed to support countries in the implementation of these collective strategies. He mentioned that the Pacific Centre Leadership Initiative will soon enter a design phase, aimed at enhancing political leadership and reinforcing regional cooperation in alignment with the 2050 Strategy.
Nayasi also pointed out the critical importance of coordination among nine regional organizations and partners, including the United Nations, to ensure that priorities are aligned and to present a united stance against security challenges. “This coordination ensures that the Forum Secretariat’s work complements broader regional efforts without duplication,” he elaborated.
According to Nayasi, the priorities are determined directly by the leaders through the Leaders Communiqué, ensuring that their input is central to the Secretariat’s agenda. He believes that this unified approach will also bolster the region’s negotiating power in geopolitical discussions, further reinforcing regional resilience amid external pressures.
The focus on a collective response reflects a wider understanding of the necessity for solidarity in addressing external influences that affect societies and communities across the Pacific. As the PIFS continues to navigate these challenges, there is a hopeful momentum towards strengthening unity and cooperation among member countries.
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