The Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Waqa, emphasized the critical role of the Smaller Island States (SIS) within the regional agenda, stressing their importance in shaping discussions at the Forum’s recent meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Speaking to SIS leaders, Waqa reiterated the centrality of these states in regional initiatives and the Forum’s commitment to embedding their priorities into the broader Pacific strategy.
In his address, Waqa also acknowledged the challenges faced by the Republic of the Marshall Islands, highlighting the resilience required in such circumstances. He elaborated on the meeting’s agenda, which focused on reviewing the SIS group’s strategy with four key priority areas, considering Tonga’s interest in SIS membership, and revitalizing the SIS Development Fund. These discussions aim to strengthen the organizational and advocacy abilities of the SIS to ensure their priorities are reflected in the regional framework, especially under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The Forum Secretary General assured the SIS leaders of the Secretariat’s continued support, committing to provide the necessary technical assistance and policy advice to elevate their voices within the regional discourse.
Previous gatherings, such as the one in Suva, have set clear actionable priorities for the SIS, emphasizing areas like transport, fisheries, procurement, health workforce, and climate finance. As the SIS and other Pacific nations prepare for the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara, there is an intensified focus on maintaining unity and regional solidarity, even as external geopolitical pressures persist.
The ongoing dialogues and commitments underscore a shared drive among Pacific nations for practical, sustainable outcomes in the face of climate, economic, and security challenges. The reinforcement of these agendas in collaborative forums like the Pacific Islands Forum signals a promising path toward greater resilience and sustainable development for smaller island states and the region as a whole.
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