BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has called on Pacific Island countries to strengthen unity and turn regional commitments into meaningful action as he begins his tenure as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Delivering his maiden address as Forum Chair in Suva, Fiji, on Thursday, he said the Pacific has never been short of vision and ambition, but the region must now focus on implementing the commitments it has collectively made.
Wale said the strength of the Blue Pacific Continent will never be found in the number of meetings, but in the difference, leaders make together for future generations.
“We have produced bold declarations, ambitious strategies and collective commitments that continue to shape our region and inspire the international community. The challenge before us now is not one of good ideas, it is one of implementation,” he said.
Wale said successful implementation of regional ambitions will require stronger collaboration among Forum member countries, the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) agencies and development partners.
He said all members must collaborate and work together.
“All CROP agencies must also work together as one unit, and all development partners must support member-driven priorities,” Wale said.
Wale said leadership should not be measured by discussions alone but by the tangible improvements delivered to the lives of Pacific people.
He said progress on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent must be determined by positive changes experienced by Pacific Islanders.
“Our people are looking to us not simply for statements of intent, but for tangible progress and lasting results,” Wale said.
Wale encourages forum leaders to focus on building Pacific regionalism’s ambitions with collective actions.
“Let this be the next chapter of our regionalism and our Pacific Way, where implementation becomes the defining measure of our success,” he said.
Wale calls on forum leaders to remain focused on safeguarding the future of the region for future generations.
He said forum members should rethink how the region views itself to rediscover priorities in the modern era.
“We need to rediscover the Pacific in a modern era. Too often we emphasise our vulnerabilities to the point that the opportunities we have struggle to surface,” Wale said.
He said Pacific’s nearly 40 million square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone is one of the region’s greatest strengths.
Wale said unity, shared values and strong leadership will enable the Blue Pacific to overcome any challenge.
He said the current task is to focus on practical solutions rather than dwelling on problems and warning against “problematising” issues.
“As we shape the future of our region, let us ensure that our regionalism remains inclusive, drawing strength from the voices of all our people, particularly our young people, whose energy, innovation and leadership will carry forward the vision we set today,” Wale said.
He acknowledged the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat for its continued service and said he looks forward to working closely with member countries in preparation for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Photo credit: PINA (Pacific Islands News Association)
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