Mark Brown, the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), addressed the region’s Foreign Affairs Ministers during their meeting in Suva on Friday, emphasizing the need for self-reliance rather than depending on the goodwill of external actors.
In his opening speech for the 2024 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, Mr. Brown highlighted the growing geostrategic interests affecting the Pacific Islands. He stated, “We continue to battle a climate crisis that intensifies every year,” underscoring the challenges faced due to climate change, cyber threats, and transnational crime.
He stressed the importance of political solidarity among the forum members, noting that it is crucial for responding to calls for assistance from any member state. Mr. Brown expressed satisfaction that the ministers were taking the opportunity to discuss ways to bolster their collaborative efforts and shared priorities.
“We can no longer rest on our laurels and depend on the goodwill of others. If we are to attain our shared 2050 vision, we must be more strategic and more assertive in our collective engagement,” he stated. He urged his colleagues to be open and constructive in their discussions to maximize the benefits of their time together.
As he approaches the end of his tenure as chair, Mr. Brown thanked the ministers for their cooperation and support during his leadership of the PIF. He reflected on the past 18 months, acknowledging the contributions of each member state and expressing his gratitude for the trust placed in him and his government.