Mark Brown, chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), addressed Foreign Affairs Ministers from the region during their gathering in Suva on Friday, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance. In his opening remarks at the 2024 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, Mr. Brown highlighted the growing geostrategic interests impacting the region.
He pointed out that the Pacific Islands are facing an escalating climate crisis alongside new challenges such as cyber-attacks and transnational crime. Mr. Brown stressed the importance of regional political solidarity, assuring that collaboration is essential for responding to the needs of member states.
He expressed satisfaction that the ministers were dedicating time to discuss how to advance shared priorities and strengthen regional progress. Mr. Brown underscored the necessity for the forum to adopt a more strategic and assertive approach in collective engagement to achieve the vision set for 2050.
Calling for open and constructive discussions, he encouraged all ministers to maximize their collaboration in this forum. As his tenure as chair comes to a close, Mr. Brown thanked the ministers for their support, concluding his remarks with a sense of pride in leading the Forum during his term.