Pacific civil society organizations have called on Forum Leaders to prioritize the preservation and advancement of civil spaces as the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) commenced in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. They emphasized the urgent need for enhanced national coordination and international action to address pressing concerns related to extractive industries and climate change impacting Pacific communities.
The civil society delegation, led by Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, included key figures such as Sepesa Rasili from the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (PIANGO), Grayham Tahu of the Apunepara Haamwaora Natural Resource Association in the Solomon Islands, and Sharon Bhagwan Rolls from the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC). Their joint statement was particularly relevant as Pacific Leaders discuss the future direction of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
During a half-hour dialogue, civil society representatives underscored the importance of amplifying community voices on vital issues, including climate change, sustainable development, gender equality, human rights, ocean protection, and regional cooperation. This dialogue reflected the diverse goals and experiences of communities throughout the Pacific.
Sepesa Rasili, president of the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), expressed serious concerns about the growing trend of governments limiting the recognition and participation of civil society representatives, church leaders, and traditional leaders. He warned that the diminishing safe civil spaces pose a significant threat to the region’s overall well-being.
“Safe civil spaces are shrinking at an alarming rate as governments increasingly limit the effective recognition and engagement of leaders across civil society and communities, as well as leaders within faith,” Rasili stated. He urged Forum Leaders to engage with civil society in decision-making processes and to empower all individuals, particularly women and marginalized groups.
The regional civil society organizations also voiced their strong support for youth in advancing the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent and reiterated their commitment to resilience through localization. Rasili emphasized the importance of this support without burdening the people with debt.
He highlighted the need for strengthening local systems and national coordination mechanisms to develop regional linkages and strategies. Rasili also advocated for greater support for the Pacific peoples’ claims to self-determination, particularly for the West Papuans.
Reflecting on Tongan Civil Society, Rasili mentioned the Tongan indigenous concept of “pikipiki hama kae vaevae manava,” which focuses on collective learning and readiness as the region aims toward the 2050 vision of a Blue Pacific Continent.