Pacific civil society organizations have urged Forum Leaders to prioritize the preservation and enhancement of civil spaces as the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) commenced in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
The organizations stressed the need for better national coordination and international action to tackle pressing issues posed by extractive industries and climate change affecting Pacific communities.
The civil society delegation, led by Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, included prominent figures like 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 with the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC).
Their joint statement comes at a critical juncture as Pacific Leaders deliberate on the future direction of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and its regional framework.
During a half-hour discussion, civil society representatives emphasized the importance of amplifying community voices on vital issues such as climate change, sustainable development, gender equality, human rights, ocean protection, and regional collaboration. The dialogue reflected the diverse goals and experiences of communities across the Pacific region.
Sepesa Rasili, who also serves as president of the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), voiced serious concerns over governments increasingly limiting the engagement and recognition of civil society representatives, religious leaders, and traditional authorities. He warned that the overall well-being of the region is significantly endangered by the reduction of safe civil spaces.
“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 ensure that their work empowers everyone, particularly women and marginalized groups.
Regional civil society organizations reaffirmed their support for youth involvement in advancing the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent and reiterated their commitment to resilience through localization.
Rasili added, “Our support is crucial, and I implore our leaders to provide it without piling debt on our people.”
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening local systems and national coordination mechanisms to create regional linkages and strategies. Rasili advocated for increased support for the self-determination of Pacific peoples, especially those of West Papua.
Reflecting on the role of Tongan Civil Society, Rasili emphasized the Tongan indigenous concept of “pikipiki hama kae vaevae manava,” which underscores collective learning and readiness as the region moves towards the 2050 vision of a Blue Pacific Continent.