Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the increasing significance of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) during its 53rd meeting in Tonga. Wong stated that collaboration among member nations is crucial for achieving shared objectives such as improving job opportunities, enhancing healthcare and education, fostering safe communities, and combating climate change.
“The PIF is essential for addressing the challenges we face collectively,” Wong remarked. She highlighted the unity of the 18 members, including Fiji and Australia, as vital for problem-solving and working toward common goals.
For over 50 years, PIF members have focused on establishing a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, paving the way for progress. Wong noted that with a multitude of pressing issues at hand, the importance of the PIF has grown significantly.
During the meeting in Tonga, leaders including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gathered to discuss priority issues for the Pacific. Australia views these discussions as an opportunity to gain insights into the priorities of Pacific countries.
Recent meetings have revealed the Pacific nations’ desire to enhance their readiness for natural disasters such as cyclones and floods. In response, Australia, in collaboration with New Zealand, announced a significant investment in establishing humanitarian warehouses in Fiji earlier this month. These warehouses will stock emergency supplies across the Pacific for whenever crises arise.
Wong underscored that climate change remains the most pressing threat in the region. Australia is transitioning to cleaner energy, aiming for 82 percent of its energy mix to come from renewable sources by the end of the decade, which is part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Furthermore, Australia is supporting Pacific nations in preparing for the impacts of climate change.
“The Pacific is our home. We are committed to our role in the Pacific Islands Forum and working together to ensure our region remains peaceful, stable, and prosperous in the years to come,” Wong concluded.