The 9th Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (PFSD) convened at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, on October 29 and 30, gathering representatives from Pacific governments, regional organizations, the private sector, civil society, youth, and development partners. Co-hosted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, in collaboration with the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC), the PFSD aimed to accelerate collective action toward realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Under the theme “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all,” the forum served as a critical platform to ensure that the Pacific’s priorities are reflected in regional and global discussions on sustainable development. This includes upcoming significant events such as the 13th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development and the 2026 High-Level Political Forum in New York.
The forum evaluated regional progress and shared insights regarding several Sustainable Development Goals focused on clean water and sanitation, renewable energy, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities, and effective partnerships. In his opening remarks, Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa emphasized the necessity of regional solidarity and collaborative actions with partners to achieve sustainable outcomes in alignment with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific.
Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, noted the uneven progress toward achieving sustainable development goals in the Pacific, calling for increased investment and a resolute commitment to cooperative partnerships. Henry Cocker, Finance and Planning Manager at PCRIC, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the PFSD, emphasizing the importance of strengthening financial resilience and advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals in the Pacific.
Discussions throughout the forum concentrated on enhancing water and energy security, building resilient infrastructure, fostering sustainable communities, and mobilizing partnerships for youth empowerment and development financing. ESCAP also launched its Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2025, which examines economic and climate challenges in the region.
The PFSD reaffirmed the pivotal role it plays in supporting the Pacific’s policy dialogue, collaborative partnerships, and collective actions necessary to foster a resilient and inclusive future for the Blue Pacific. As highlighted by the various speakers, ongoing cooperation among Pacific nations and their global partners is vital to overcoming the challenges ahead and achieving sustainable and meaningful progress for all communities in the region.
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