All 17 Pacific Island Forum leaders set to attend Solomon Islands-hosted 54th Leaders Meeting
The Solomon Islands will host the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara from September 8 to 12, with local organizers confirming that all 17 member leaders will participate. The confirmation comes after earlier signs of a boycott and follows days of diplomatic maneuvering as the summit approaches. Local organising committee chair Dr Jimmie Rodgers announced that attendance has now been secured, clearing the way for a full Pacific-led gathering with the Leaders’ Retreat scheduled to take place in Noro, Western Province.
In the run-up to the meeting, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele drew regional and international attention by excluding Taiwan from the talks. That decision triggered pushback from Taiwan’s allies and drew commentary about external influence in Pacific diplomacy. The host government subsequently expanded its restrictions by removing the United States, China, and other donor partners from the invitation list, highlighting the ongoing push to prioritise intra-Pacific dialogue and sovereignty.
Security and logistics for the forum have received support from regional partners. Australia has donated 61 police-fitted vehicles to bolster security operations, while China contributed 27 VIP vehicles to be used by Pacific leaders during the event.
The gathering forms part of a broader reform of the Pacific Islands Forum’s engagement framework. In line with these reforms, the traditional Partners Dialogue with donor partners has been deferred to 2026 to allow finalization of a revised Partnership and Engagement Mechanism, a move aimed at strengthening regional sovereignty and ensuring external engagement aligns with Pacific priorities.
Context and outlook
The forum’s organisers emphasize a Pacific-led agenda focused on climate resilience, regional security, and sustainable development. The deferral of donor partner dialogue reflects a broader shift toward greater regional ownership, while international partners remain engaged in supporting resilience and development initiatives. Analysts say the outcome will hinge on whether leaders can translate commitments into concrete programs that benefit Pacific nations, even as external dynamics continue to shape the regional conversation.
What to watch
– How the narrowed attendance shapes formal discussions, diplomacy, and outcomes.
– The implementation and impact of the reformed Partnership and Engagement Mechanism on future external engagement.
– The progress of climate resilience funding, regional security cooperation, and sustainable development initiatives.
Summary
The Solomon Islands is gearing up to host the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting with 17 Pacific Island Forum leaders attending, marking a significant step in the ongoing push for Pacific-led decision-making. The event will highlight resilience, unity, and regional cooperation, supported by security contributions from Australia and China, as leaders prepare to address climate, security, and development priorities amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. A broader reform agenda underpins the gathering, signaling a shift toward stronger intra-Pacific leadership and governance.
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