The 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) wrapped up on Friday evening, featuring expressions of gratitude, regal gift exchanges, and a celebration reflective of Tonga’s renowned hospitality. The week was marked by a grand welcome, numerous simultaneous meetings, intense negotiations, and the addressing of challenging issues, leading to several encouraging outcomes.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku of Tonga took on the Chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) for 2024, following Tonga’s hosting of the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting from August 26 to 30. The chosen theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now,” resonated with leaders across Oceania, emphasizing the need for integrated resilience in all Pacific communities and sectors. Key focus areas included climate change, environmental degradation, economic development through collaborative solutions, and improving health and education through cooperative efforts.
Both the outgoing chairman, Hon. Mark Brown of the Cook Islands, and incoming chairman Hon. Hu’akavameiliku stressed the necessity of transitioning from mere policy discussions to tangible implementation. Chairman Hu’akavameiliku stated, “We must do this now,” emphasizing the need to focus on actions following the establishment of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and its Implementation Plan.
Discussions around “implementation” highlighted the urgency to address the climate crisis, holding developed nations accountable for their documented contributions. The opening day faced adverse weather in Tongatapu, including rain, flooding, and a significant earthquake, which underscored the pressing realities of climate change for Tonga. However, the 53rd PIFLM continued to deliberate on proactive measures despite these environmental challenges.
A key achievement from the meeting was the establishment of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), with leaders endorsing Tonga as the host country. This facility aims to support nations in addressing loss and damage from climate change while also promoting preventive measures. The PRF represents the first Pacific-led, member-managed climate and disaster resilience financing initiative. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pledged support for the PRF’s capitalization, which has already attracted commitments totaling approximately $137 million, including significant contributions from Australia, the US, and Nauru. However, more funding is sought, with an initial target of $500 million and a long-term goal of $1.5 billion.
The camaraderie among leaders fostered solidarity in addressing regional challenges, including corruption under the banner of “Pacific Unity Against Corruption.” This raised questions about the specific purposes of this unity.
Protests were evident in Tonga against Japan’s release of nuclear wastewater into the Pacific. Activists urged Pacific leaders to prioritize issues surrounding this disposal, along with concerns over deep-sea mining during discussions hosted in Vava’u.
Discussions about promoting an “Ocean of Peace” included the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), with positive outcomes noted and pending ratification at the 2025 PIFLM. Leaders acknowledged Australia’s support for the PPI’s implementation and training initiatives offered by other member nations.
The turmoil in New Caledonia, a full PIF member, was highlighted as an urgent matter. A planned Forum monitoring mission to the territory was postponed but is set to move forward with new parameters. France’s Ambassador to the Pacific confirmed readiness to receive the mission, which will consist of the Prime Ministers of Cook Islands, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Fiji.
With over 800 businesses affected and around 25,000 people unemployed due to unrest in New Caledonia, Rev. Billy Wetewea from the region expressed that the community must look to the future amidst the significant losses experienced.
In the final communique of the PIF, a controversial reference regarding Taiwan was initially included but was later removed after claims of it being a mistake. The alteration of this section raised alarm over China’s influence within the regional body, with analysts calling it a strategy to disrupt and divide. Despite Taiwan’s diminishing influence, some Pacific nations, including Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and Palau, continue to uphold strong diplomatic ties. Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr reaffirmed the commitment to defend Taiwan’s partnership status at the PIF.