Honiara to focus on climate change, ocean peace, and resilience efforts in line with 2050 Strategy
BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM) in Honiara will spotlight critical regional priorities, including climate change, ocean peace, and the Pacific Resilience Facility, as Pacific leaders unite to advance the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific.
Speaking at his fortnightly press conference on Friday, August 8, Prime Minister Manele dismissed concerns that the forum’s significance would be diminished following the deferment of the post-forum dialogue.
He expressed confidence that the event will still attract strong attendance and deliver meaningful outcomes for member countries.
Prime Minister Manele emphasized that these issues remain top priorities for Pacific nations.
He said the focus of the PIF Leaders is on key intra-regional matters such as the High-Level Political Talanoa, the Declaration on the Ocean for Peace, and the Pacific Resilience Facility—issues of paramount importance to the region’s security and wellbeing.
“This is a call to action and a reaffirmation of who we are — one Blue Pacific Continent. A call to strengthen regionalism and act with purpose for an integrated, resilient, and sustainable Pacific,” Manele said. “Together, we signal to the world that the Pacific stands united.”
The Prime Minister described the Pacific Islands Forum’s role as the cornerstone of regional unity, cooperation, and collective action.
He stressed the importance of Pacific-led ownership of the regional agenda and cautioned against distractions from divisive external influences.
“As the incoming Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Solomon Islands remains fully committed to upholding the Forum’s centrality and integrity, fostering strong friendships with all Pacific Island countries and external partners alike.
“We understand this decision requires sacrifice—including forgoing special guest invitations during this Forum—but it is necessary to ensure engagement is conducted through a robust, transparent, and strategic mechanism that reflects our priorities, protects our sovereignty, and strengthens our collective voice globally.”
He added that the Pacific Islands Forum remains a beacon of regional solidarity and collective action.
“The agenda for the forum is usually developed jointly with the Forum Secretariat since this is an original meeting. Several issues consistently appear on the agenda. Standing items such as climate change and sea level rise are certainly included, as they remain the number one issue for our region.
“There are also important topics concerning the oceans. For instance, the Declaration on the Ocean for Peace, initiated by Prime Minister Rabuka, will be discussed and adopted here in Honiara.
“We will also address the Pacific Resilience Facility. In addition to the Ocean’s Declaration, earlier this year we hosted a fisheries summit on SDG 14.4, which led to preparatory meetings for the meeting in Nice, France. The outcomes we adopted at Nice will be reviewed during this forum leaders’ meeting.
“Broadly speaking, the sectors covered about four or five within the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific, include climate change and the environment. These provide the framework guiding the discussions among forum leaders.
“Leaders typically will deliver their statements during the plenary session here in Honiara, with the actual decisions to be made during the retreat in Noro, Western Province.” Prime Minister Manele said.
The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, taking place from September 8 to 12, will bring together leaders from across the Pacific to advance a shared vision for a sustainable and resilient future in the face of environmental challenges.
