Climate change poses a significant threat to the Pacific region, with countries and territories facing an increase in natural disasters that endanger lives and livelihoods. To address this urgent issue, Pacific leaders convened in Tokyo from July 16 to 18 for the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10), where enhancing climate resilience emerged as a primary focus.
Japan, along with Pacific Island nations, acknowledged the immediate need to tackle climate change and other pressing challenges within the region. The discussions held in Tokyo were reinforced by Japan’s commitments, covering various domains such as disaster risk reduction, maritime security, economic development, and cybersecurity.
Professor Izumi Kobayashi from Osaka Gakuin University highlighted that PALM10 marked the culmination of Japan’s longstanding partnership with Pacific Island nations. He noted that this support is crucial for promoting peace and development across the Pacific.
During the summit, leaders agreed to foster a partnership rooted in trust and the concept of “kizuna,” which signifies deep and enduring connections. This partnership is aligned with the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, a comprehensive vision aimed at ensuring regional security and well-being established in 2022. The Strategy underscores climate change as the foremost threat, a sentiment echoed by leaders including Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
A notable initiative launched at the summit is the Pacific Climate Resilience Initiative, which will harness Japan’s financial and technological resources to bolster disaster risk management and promote decarbonization efforts among Pacific Island nations. This initiative builds on Japan’s ongoing support, including its collaboration with the Pacific Climate Change Centre in Samoa and assistance to countries like Fiji and Tuvalu in transitioning to sustainable energy systems.
People-to-people exchanges and human resource development programs were also a key focus, with Japan committing to benefit over 6,500 individuals within the next three years. These exchanges encompass a range of fields, including science, technology, and security. Notably, Prime Minister Kishida and Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku acknowledged Japan’s involvement in the International Naval Review and the inclusion of Tongan cadets at Japan’s National Defense Academy.
Collaborative agreements, such as a Memorandum of Cooperation between Japan and Fiji, aim to implement emergency warning systems and disaster management services, enhancing Fiji’s climate resilience. Other partnerships established at PALM10 included initiatives to provide patrol boats, fisheries research support, and infrastructure assistance in various Pacific nations.
Professor Kobayashi remarked that the commitments made at PALM10 have further strengthened the mutual trust established over the years. To maximize their impact, maintaining regular communication and coordinating with other supportive nations will be vital.
The Leaders’ Declaration from the meeting emphasized fundamental values like global peace and stability, freedom, democracy, sustainable development, and respect for international law. It affirmed the necessity of a rules-based international order that safeguards the rights and sovereignty of all nations, regardless of their size.
The PALM gatherings, which began in 1997, exemplify Japan’s commitment to working collaboratively with the Pacific region, as articulated by Prime Minister Kishida’s vision of advancing together with the Blue Pacific nations.