Climate change and resilience have emerged as the primary focus for the Pacific region, prompting calls for partners to engage and support its vision and goals. This message was expressed by Baron Waqa, the secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), during his speech at the official opening of the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting held in Tonga.
Waqa highlighted that the Pacific region remains at the forefront of the struggle against climate change, while also being a focal point for geopolitical interests. He pointed out that the meeting served as a platform to emphasize regional resilience, especially in light of the 2022 volcanic eruption, and it underscored the necessity to address climate change, economic development, and regional security comprehensively.
“We continue to manage an evolving economic development landscape,” Waqa stated. He called for transformative measures to ensure that resilience is integrated as a priority across all policies and implementation processes, particularly in health and education sectors that directly impact the people.
The annual gathering of leaders aims to bolster the region’s collective ambitions in line with the 2050 strategy, with the goal of ensuring a durable and resilient future. Waqa reiterated the importance of taking transformative action and maintaining vigilance in security matters to secure the region’s prosperity for future generations.
“We need to take urgent action now for sustainable outcomes into the future,” he added, stressing the importance of remaining attentive to regional security issues that align with both national and regional needs. “The 2050 strategy is our commitment to ensure that we will not leave our future to chance and that together, we will be stronger and resilient.”
Throughout the week, discussions will continue to advance priority areas for Smaller Island States and to implement the Samoa Agreement.