President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has emphasized that the security of both current and future generations is at risk due to geopolitical tensions, worsening climate change effects, and rising transnational crimes, particularly in the realm of cyber security. Speaking at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in New York, he noted a troubling surge in transnational criminal activities, including drug trafficking and production.
During discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Pacific leaders addressed these pressing issues alongside broader concerns about peace and security. “When we examine our Pacific region, we cannot ignore the alarming increase in transnational crimes like drug trafficking and production,” President Katonivere stated. He also mentioned the ongoing challenges posed by Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens the vital shared resources that are essential to the economies of Pacific nations.