Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the significance of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) during the opening of the 53rd meeting of Forum Leaders in Tonga. She stated that collaboration among all members is crucial to achieving shared objectives, such as creating job opportunities, enhancing health services, improving education, fostering safe communities, and combating climate change.
Wong highlighted that the PIF, which comprises 18 Pacific nations, including Fiji and Australia, serves as a platform for these countries to address challenges and pursue collective goals. She noted that for over 50 years, PIF members have been dedicated to building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region. In light of the pressing issues the region faces, Wong affirmed that the importance of the PIF has never been more pronounced.
During this week’s meetings, leaders, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Tonga and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, will discuss pressing Pacific priorities. Wong mentioned that Australia has listened to the concerns of Pacific nations regarding their preparedness for natural disasters, such as cyclones and floods. In response, Australia and New Zealand recently announced a significant investment in humanitarian warehouses in Fiji, aimed at establishing emergency supply centers across the Pacific.
Addressing climate change, Wong noted it as the most immediate threat to the region. She mentioned Australia’s commitment to cleaner energy, projecting that by the end of the decade, 82 percent of Australia’s energy will come from renewable sources as part of a broader goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. She expressed Australia’s determination to assist Pacific nations in preparing for climate change impacts and reiterated the importance of the PIF in ensuring the region remains peaceful, stable, and prosperous for the future.