BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) remains the cornerstone of regional unity, cooperation, and collective action for Pacific peoples.
Speaking to local media on Friday, August 9, 2025 during a press conference, Prime Minister Manele said the Pacific region must always lead, drive and own their own agenda and not be distracted by divisive issues pushed by external media.
He said the world has changed, since the Forum was established more than five decades ago.
“We needed a fit-for -purpose regional structure that is aligned to today’s new realities, enhancing the region’s effectiveness, legitimacy to deliver on the region’s 2050 strategy,” said Manele.
He explained that the Pacific Islands Forum began the review of its regional architecture in four phases, beginning in 2024 by mapping out its regional architecture, its structures and processes.
He said phase two, looks at supporting a more coordinated collaborative, and coherent regional system; identifying systematic changes to strengthen the regional system.
Whereas Phase three is the rationalisation of the regional system and finalisation of the development of the Partnership and Engagement Mechanism with to support a fit for purpose regional architecture.
The Prime Minister said this is complimented by a High-Level Talanoa Group made up of the three sub region’s representatives, Samoa, Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands.
“Report will be delivered at the 54th PIFLM Phase 4 and will have the transition phase to implement reforms in 2026.” Prime Minister Manele said.
The 54th PIF Leaders Meeting will convene in Honiara from September 8 to 12, 2025.
This will be only the third time the Solomon Islands has hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with the last occasion dating back to 1992.
While the event is primarily regional in nature, it also doubles as a major international gathering, with the country expecting to welcome up to 1,500 participants.
These will include high-level delegations from across the Pacific, as well as representatives from various international and regional organizations.
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