Strengthening the voices of the Pacific Islands, both globally and locally, is crucial for advancing the priorities of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIFS) and ensuring meaningful community engagement. Efforts are underway to establish mechanisms that will enhance Pacific representation in international organizations, ultimately boosting advocacy and influence.
Baron Waqa, the Secretary-General of the Forum, emphasized the importance of increasing the Pacific presence in global discussions, stating that this is vital for effective advocacy and policy influence. He noted that this approach aligns with broader regional objectives that prioritize people-driven engagement and representation.
To further these goals, a new 2050 Engagement and Advocacy Plan has been developed. This plan aims to unify communication efforts and promote collaboration with regional media to enhance awareness of Forum priorities. Waqa explained that the plan will introduce tools such as advocacy champions and messaging guides that support coordinated engagement, ensuring that the work of the Forum is clearly communicated and understood by communities.
In addition, partnerships with regional media are expected to bridge the information gap between leadership and citizens, fostering transparency and accountability while amplifying the Pacific narrative on the global stage. The Secretariat is actively working to implement key projects aligned with Forum goals, with tangible milestones targeted for 2026.
Progress is also being made with the establishment and expansion of the Climate-Based Resilience (CBR) project office, which is set to launch a fast payment initiative soon. Waqa indicated that collaboration with the World Bank remains robust, with efforts underway to prioritize funding and staffing.
The next media briefing is anticipated to provide more substantial updates on these initiatives, signaling continued progress. The CBR project seeks to streamline the delivery of climate finance to vulnerable communities, complementing broader frameworks for climate adaptation and disaster resilience.
Moreover, the Pacific Centre Leadership Initiative, along with other regional initiatives, is on track to move into the design and implementation phases by 2026. Esala Nayasi, the Forum’s Deputy Secretary General, highlighted that these initiatives directly respond to leadership calls for enhanced regionalism and political cooperation, focusing on strengthening unity and collective action against external pressures.
The early design phases aim to establish a foundation for long-term impact in alignment with the 2050 Strategy, ensuring a commitment from leadership to support and allocate resources for these essential efforts. The collective regional push for enhanced visibility and collaboration holds the promise of strengthening the Pacific voice on critical global platforms, fostering resilience and community growth in the face of challenges.
Leave a comment