The 5th Pacific Islands Parliaments Group Conference has ended with the formal creation of the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (PIPA), marking a significant milestone in strengthening parliamentary cooperation across the Blue Pacific region.
In closing remarks, Fiji’s Parliament Speaker Filimone Jitoko described PIPA as a new chapter for regional collaboration. He said the establishment of the Assembly would deepen regional integration and amplify the Pacific’s collective voice on the world stage. “This is not the closure of the PIPG chapter, but the opening of a new one; with rejuvenation and a new sense of purpose for our community of parliaments,” Jitoko stated. He added that PIPA would “serve as a beacon of cooperation, resilience, and democratic governance for our region.”
Over three days, parliamentarians debated pressing regional and global issues, including trade disruptions, sustainable development, regional integration, and the future of parliamentary cooperation. Jitoko acknowledged the pivotal support provided by the PIPG Permanent Secretariat from the Assembly of French Polynesia, represented by Mr Jean-Raphael, and the UNDP Fiji Parliament Support Project (FPSP), noting the crucial role of development partners Australia, Japan, and New Zealand through UNDP FPSP.
Delegates from across the Pacific welcomed PIPA as a historic turning point. Monise Laafai of Tuvalu described the moment as “a very important crossroads” and called the conference “useful and resourceful.” Peter Kenilorea Jr of the Solomon Islands described the Assembly as a “value addition” to national parliaments, providing opportunities for collective problem solving, partnerships, and joint advocacy on key issues.
The Assembly of French Polynesia was confirmed as the host for the inaugural Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in 2026.
Context and connections with broader regional efforts continue to shape the momentum:
– Fiji is also slated to host the 5th Pacific Islands Parliaments Group Conference in 2025, reinforcing ongoing collaboration across Pacific parliaments.
– The region has built a track record of shared initiatives, including the Ngibtal Declaration on Human Security in the Pacific Islands, unanimously adopted at previous meetings, underscoring commitments to security, well-being, and resilience.
Outlook and value:
Experts view the launch of PIPA as a natural evolution of Pacific governance, aiming to provide a coordinated platform for addressing climate action, blue economy initiatives, and regional security. If sustained, PIPA could enhance collective bargaining power and strengthen engagement with global bodies such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, while keeping regional priorities at the forefront of policy dialogue.
Additional context for readers:
– The momentum from this conference supports Fiji’s hosting of the 2025 PIPG Conference, with the aim of continuing dialogue and expanding participation.
– The region’s shared identity as the Blue Pacific remains central to its approach, emphasizing resilience, solidarity, and sustainable development.
The establishment of PIPA signals a persistent push toward stronger regional cooperation, with a practical framework for coordinating policies, monitoring commitments, and amplifying the Pacific voice on the global stage. It presents a hopeful pathway for addressing climate change, economic diversification, and inclusive development across Pacific island nations.
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