-Pacific Youth Pledge Support for Ocean of Peace Declaration

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Pacific youth have stepped forward alongside Forum Leaders, reaffirming their commitment to the Ocean of Peace Declaration endorsed at last week’s 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Honiara.

Speaking on behalf of regional youth, Ms. Josie Anne Ashley, General Secretary of the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress, said young people are ready to carry forward the outcomes of the Forum and safeguard the Pacific’s future.

“Whatever is decided, youth will carry it forward. We will own it and we will reap its benefits. But to paddle sturdier, we must be healthy and strong,” she said.

Ashley highlighted key challenges facing Pacific youth such as limited access to education, mental health pressures, substance abuse, and unemployment.

She stressed the importance of youth having a seat at the table, saying it is the only way to ensure decisions reflect their needs and aspirations.

She also recalled the emotional plea of a Tuvaluan child during the recent PNA Leaders Summit, who called on leaders to save the ocean and tuna for the Pacific.

“Pacific youth are united in amplifying that message and are committed to working alongside Forum Leaders to protect people, cultures, and the ocean for future generations,” Ashley added.

The youth’s pledge marks a significant step in strengthening regional unity and ensuring that the Pacific’s voice is heard in shaping its own future.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Packs of medical drugs, three bags of home-brewed kwaso and three boxes of marijuana were seized at the Auki Jetty last Thursday.

These items were ready to be sent to Lord Howe by ship when police arrived and raided everything at the wharf. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said police believed the medicines are part of the missing supplies from the Kiluufi hospital.

Media reports last month had said a total of six cartons of Coartem medicine, Paracetamol, and other medical treatments went missing from the Kilu’ufi Pharmacy. 

“I believe that these packets of medicines must be from the cartons of medicines that have been stolen from Kilu’ufi Hospital.

“It is good that we raided everything,” Ramosaea said. 

He mentioned that an investigation will be conducted in Mage, Central Kwara’ae.

Island Sun Auki understands that a police officer has been arrested in relation to the missing medical treatments at Kilu’ufi Hospital but was released due to insufficient evidence against him.

Investigation into the missing medical treatments is still ongoing.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Pacific Island Forum Troika will begin implementation of recommendations from the report produced of the 54th Pacific Island Forum leaders Meeting that concluded on Friday, September 12, 2025 in Honiara.

The report will be implemented in line with the forum leaders’ discussions in Noro, where Troika will assume direct leadership to carry out the task.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, also Chair of 54th Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting at a press conference on Friday, highlighted the successful weeklong PIF meeting.

He said the report was prepared over the course of a weeklong PIF leaders’ deliberation, where they reflected deeply on shared priorities and reaffirmed regional unity.

Manele stated that leaders also agreed on clear actions to help guide and improve the Pacific continent through an increasingly complex and challenging strategic environment.

“In addition to our meeting, among others this week, we had the opportunity to meet with a number of our key stakeholders, including representatives from the private sector, civil society organisations, health work agencies, and one of our associate members.

“The focus of the retreat at Noro was the report on the High-Level Political Panel that was facilitated between May and July 2025.

“Leaders have a robust exchange with the high-level business group that developed the report based on the political consultations with 16 of our 18 forum members,” he said.

The Chair said in general, the report was of a high quality, balanced, and practical in its recommendations. However, it remains a highly politically sensitive document.

He added central to the report is the call for deepened and revitalised Pacific regionalism, a more efficient regional system, and integrated delivery for the Pacific people.

“Over the coming months, the Troika will assume direct leadership on our side of the implementation of the recommendations from the report, in line with the Forum leaders’ discussions in Noro,” Manele said.

He also spoke on the signing of the establishment agreement of Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) – a financing facility for the Pacific by the Pacific.

“This agreement will be a crucial advocacy tool for the capitalisation of the PRF and for those who have made pledges to this facility,” Manele said.

The 54th Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting successfully concluded on Friday, and most of the leaders will leave to Papua New Guinea – upon invitation by Prime Minister, Hon James Marape, to join the people and government of PNG for the celebration of their 50th independence anniversary.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Hon Dr Aisake Valu, raised a call for action during the recent signing of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) Treaty at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.

With 15 Forum members signing the treaty and two officially depositing instruments of ratification bringing into force, Prime Minister Valu emerged as a central voice championing the urgency and unity behind the region’s climate resilience efforts.

“We have come in force today. This reflects the strength of our unity and collective action through ‘You, Me, Together, Act Now’ our shared commitment to our people and our future,” said Valu.

It was a call from the heart of the Pacific, rooted in lived realities of climate vulnerability and driven by the vision of regional self-determination in financing resilience.

He emphasized on the innovative nature of the PRF as a Pacific-born solution to one of the region’s most pressing challenges which is climate financing.

“We are manifesting our shared vision to establish the PRF as a new, innovative way of doing business in climate financing. Climate equity and justice are not just ideals they are rights. The time for that narrative is gone. The time for action is now,” he said.

Drawing from the lived experiences of Pacific peoples, Valu reminded leaders of the harsh climate realities the region faces from cyclones and floods to rising seas and disappearing coastlines. His message “time is not on the Pacific’s side” was clear.

“The Pacific does not have the luxury of time. We can’t control the weather but we do know who controls the decisions that shape our future. And that is us,” he stressed.

He calls on international partners to move beyond paper commitments and provide concrete fiscal support to help the PRF reach its initial capitalization goal of US$500 million by the end of 2026, and ultimately US$1.5 billion to meet the ambition of a “1.5-degree world.”

Valu announced that Tonga is ready to present its instrument of ratification, officially joining the core group of countries advancing the PRF toward legal activation.

“I hereby offer assurance of our highest considerations in announcing today that Tonga is ready to present our instrument of ratification to mark our Blue Pacific voyage towards the PRF Treaty ratification,” he said.

This move highlights Tonga’s unwavering commitment to the facility and sets a clear example for others still on the sidelines.

“Only together in unity can this tree flourish. May our PRF grow to be strong and unshakeable in the spirit of our people, like a tree beside the river barefoot all year round and a stream of blessing for generations to come,” Valu said.

As momentum builds toward the 55th Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in 2026 where pilot project proposals will be launched Prime Minister Valu expressed confidence in the collective will of Pacific leaders to see the PRF realized.

“This is just the beginning. With our Pacific hearts and political will, we can achieve this together for our people, and to ensure no one is left behind,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders have reaffirmed their support and commitment for the security and stability of the Pacific region.

The endorsement of the Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration at the 54th PIF meeting which concluded on Friday in Honiara, was a testament to the collective commitment of Pacific leaders towards regional peace.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, September 12, 2025, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, who also the chair of PIF, Jeremiah Manele highlighted the signing of the Ocean of Peace Declaration, as one of the achievements during the PIF meeting.  

“In our efforts to reiterate the implementation of peace in our region, we endorsed the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration,” he said.

Manele said as highlighted by Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the Ocean of Peace Declaration is a signal that Pacific Islands are seeking a region in which strategic competition is managed.

“Also, a region where stability is the top stone of regional relationships, and where cohesion is assured,” he said.

Manele expressed that the declaration promotes peace-building as an integral element of Pacific regionalism and recognises that sustainable development is essential for addressing the root causes of conflict, fostering lasting harmony, and empowering communities with pride.

Speaking at the endorsement of Ocean of Peace Declaration, Fiji Prime Minister Rabuka, said the region is changing very fast as it faces existential security threats whether it be climate crisis, epidemics, terrorism, transnational organized crime or challenges such as labour mobility, economic fragility, retreat of democracy with competing geo-political interests superimposed over these.

“Today, security, as noted by the Boe Declaration, is a mix bundle – military, transnational organised crime, human security, economic, health, land, housing, drugs, law and order, and the climate crisis.

“With our individual relative isolation and smallness, these challenges are insurmountable. Our hope (repeat) is in the collective,” he said.

Rabuka voiced that nothing must come between the region.

“Nothing must come between us, not even economic interests or the rising seas. A combined Pacific voice rings loud and echoes afar. Our unity is our dignity and strength,” he said.

Photo: PIF

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

As part of Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders’ commitment to deepening regional integration, PIF assures to leave no-one behind with emphasis on collective effort to address priorities of Small Island States in Pacific region.

In a PIF-Troika press conference held on the conclusion of 54th Pacific Island Forum leaders meeting on Friday, September 12, 2025 in Honiara, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Chair of PIF reiterated PIF’s support for SIS.

He said the leaders of the SIS identified their key priorities, and this cannot be driven or achieved in isolation.

“Air and sea transport has been identified as one of the SIS priorities.

“These are crucial for the consideration of deepening regional integration to improve inter-regional trade, access to finance, and sustainable economic development,” Manele said.

According to the unofficial final draft of 54th PIF communique, leaders welcomed priorities identified by SIS members.

In considering the evolving strategic environment, Leaders recognised the unique vulnerabilities and challenges of the SIS Members.

Leaders welcomed and endorsed the mainstreaming of the SIS Leaders priorities across all CROP agencies as follows

• Securing reliable and affordable air and sea transport, including upper airspace management;
• Advancing fisheries development and participation in regional value chains;
• Strengthening regional procurement and health workforce mechanisms; and
• Enhancing access to climate finance, with a strong call for operationalising the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index within regional agencies.

PIF leaders also noted the call by SIS members for the provision of adequate and dedicated support on the implementation and management of SIS matters.

The current chair of the Small Island States (SIS) group, Kiribati, will work closely with PIF to pursue priorities identified during the 54th PIF meeting.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

A combined “Value Team” is currently conducting a property, household, fishing grounds and income-generating survey and assessment in the Bina community, Malaita Province. 

The Value Team consists of officers based in Auki from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development. 

Agriculture Field Officer Patrick Maesuba said they are conducting assessments and recordings as part of the recollection phase for the Bina community people into their designated areas once they move. 

He said the assessment is based on properties, income generation, fishing grounds and measurements of the households. 

Maesuba explained that they divided themselves into teams and conducted their assessment covering half of the Bina community area where the project will be implemented first.

He added that they are yet to complete this work and will continue so that they include everyone in the survey.

One challenge of the day was heavy downpour later in the day.

Maesuba said amidst, the heavy downpour, they managed to complete a good amount of work and appreciate that there was no disturbances while they were working.

He mentioned that on the first day of work, people were welcoming and helpful in providing them with the essential information they needed.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

At the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Side Event “Unpacking Resilience-Strengthening Systems, Capacities and Practical Solutions”, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, panelists spoke briefly about different aspects relating to climate resilience.

The session was opened with a few remarks from Rex Ramofafia, Minister for the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC).

He expressed that the region must move on from financing resilience in theory to building it in concrete reality, especially in rural areas.

“Mainstream resilience is not a choice, it is a necessity. Our national and sectoral planning and budget cycle are the most critical windows for this integration,” said Ramofafia.

A panel discussion was held with three panelists namely; Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua, Adviser to Tongan PM, Agnetha Vave Karamui, Deputy Secretary Technical, MECDM and Roy Mae, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Planning.

Siamomua, who is the advisor to the Tongan Prime Minister Aisake Eke, highlighted that is important to hold governments accountable in regards to ensuring that every penny meant for climate resilience is actually spent on climate resilience.

She their government is working on what they call “tracking the money” to ensure that money is allocated to the right tasks in terms of agencies budget.

Agnetha Vave Karamui, Deputy Secretary Technical spoke about community-based disaster tools.

She said they have been working with communities to help them develop their disaster management plans.

Karamui mentioned that this work involves technical training and improving the capacity of rolling out the plans.

The third panelist was Roy Mae, the Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Planning, who spoke about climate budgeting.

He pointed out that the progress of climate budgeting is linked to Solomon Islands national and environmental systems.

Mae also stated that there is ongoing reform on climate budget at country level to strengthen coordination between the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, the Ministry of National Planning, as well as the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.

The session allowed discussions centered on the importance of tracking funding for climate resilience, the roll out of community-based disaster tools and climate budget reform.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Cocoa farmers in Malaita Province are reportedly facing many setbacks and challenges that disrupt their normal routines.

Local cocoa farmer, Lesley Foinagwa told the paper in an interview that financial constraints and the weather are factors affecting their journey as cocoa farmers.

He said this has minimised their ability to maintain, extend and establish new cocoa farms.

“All cocoa farmers encounter the same financial challenges, which are linked to access to labor that supports us in making their work easier.

“It will also hinder us from moving forward with maintaining a good and clean environment on our farms,” he said.

He stressed that June this year presented another challenge, as they experienced and observed the effects of very low yield from their farm plants.

“This is another challenge that we are experiencing. Our cocoa plants produce low fruit.  This means that very few plants are producing fruit while the rest are not,” he said.

Foinagwa expressed that through their cocoa farms, they are able to afford tuition for their children and essential needs for their families.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Auki Police in Malaita Province have confiscated three bags of kwaso and three boxes of marijuana from a person on Thursday at the Auki Jetty. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, (PPC) Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said the kwaso and marijuana were ready to be sent on a ship to Lord Howe when police intervened and confiscated them. 

He said a total of 65 bottles of kwaso were in the three bags, along with more than nine hundred small parcels of marijuana in the three boxes. 

“The three bags of Kwaso and three boxes of marijuana were ready to be sent to Lord Howe when police arrived at the scene and collected them.

“In the bags, there are 65 1.5-litre bottles full of kwaso and many small rolls and smaller parcels of marijuana that the police collected,” he said. 

He mentioned that among the kwaso and marijuana were a few boxes of medicines.

Superintendent Ramosaea said this operation was successful after one of his police officers went to the shop to send off something.

It was during this time that the officer noticed suspicious activities.

Meanwhile, Ramosaea said there have been no arrest and investigations will continue.

“There has been no arrest of the owner of those illegal drugs, he escaped. But police will investigate, and we have to arrest the person,” he said.

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