Solomon Islands confirms attendance for 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting with broader steps toward regional sovereignty
The Solomon Islands Government has announced that 17 Pacific Island Forum leaders are set to attend the 54th PIF Leaders Meeting in Honiara next month, with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele attending as host, bringing the total number of leaders present to 18. This confirmation comes after earlier reports suggested some doubt about attendance.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers, told SBM Online that all Forum members have now given firm confirmation. The meeting is scheduled to run from September 8 to 12 in Honiara, with the Leaders’ Retreat planned for Noro in Western Province. The government had previously indicated it would not invite Post-Forum Dialogue partners to this year’s gathering, a move Prime Minister Manele described in Parliament as being in keeping with sovereignty and the Pacific Way, a position echoed at last year’s 53rd Leaders Meeting in Tonga.
In related preparations, Australia and China have contributed to security and logistical support for the Forum. Australia donated 61 police-fitted vehicles to assist security operations, while China provided 27 vehicles to be used by regional leaders during the Forum.
Context and broader significance
– The attendance arrangement aligns with the ongoing reform of the Forum’s engagement framework. Several reports note that the Partners Dialogue with donor countries has been deferred to 2026 to allow finalization of the revised Partnership and Engagement Mechanism. Officials say the deferment strengthens regional sovereignty while ensuring external engagement aligns with Pacific priorities.
– This year’s gathering continues to emphasize a Pacific-led agenda, with discussions likely to focus on climate resilience, regional security, and economic renewal within the Blue Pacific Continent framework.
What to watch
– How the narrowed attendance shapes formal and behind-the-scenes diplomacy among member states.
– The implementation and impact of the reformed Partnership and Engagement Mechanism on future external engagement.
– Any tangible outcomes on climate resilience funding, regional security collaboration, and sustainable development initiatives.
Hopeful outlook
Despite tensions over external participation, the Forum’s move toward sharper regional ownership and coordinated action could strengthen the Pacific’s ability to address climate change, resilience financing, and shared development goals. If leaders translate commitments into concrete programs, the Honiara gathering could reinforce unity and momentum across member states.
Summary
Solomon Islands is poised to host the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting with 18 leaders including the host prime minister, amid a backdrop of reform to regional engagement and a deferral of donor-partner dialogues to 2026. The event will highlight Pacific-led priorities and showcase regional solidarity, while security and logistics support from Australia and China help ensure a smooth summit.
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