Prime Minister Sitiven Rabuka addressed the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Tonga, emphasizing the importance of a united Pacific voice. He stated, “Our unity is our dignity and strength,” highlighting the critical security challenges the region faces, including climate change, epidemics, terrorism, organized crime, economic instability, and threats to democracy amid competing geopolitical interests. Rabuka noted that the Pacific has changed significantly over the past two decades, and today, security encompasses not only military concerns but also human security, economic stability, health, housing, law and order, and environmental issues like rising sea levels.
He remarked that the relative isolation and small size of Pacific nations make these challenges daunting, but there is hope in collective action. Rabuka drew a parallel to family dynamics, stating that even in ideal families, members may have differing views and desires. He emphasized the importance of overcoming differences and ensuring that nothing, including rising sea levels, comes between the countries of the Pacific.