BY NED GAGAHE
President Taneti Maamau of Kiribati officially assumed the Chairmanship of the Smaller Island States (SIS) during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, which began yesterday in Honiara.
President Maamau succeeded the outgoing Chair, President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia, during the SIS meeting—the first official event of Forum Leaders’ Week.
The meeting set the stage for a week of high-level deliberations among the 18 member states of the Pacific Islands Forum.
In his opening remarks, President Maamau expressed deep gratitude and humility in taking on the leadership role.
“It is my deep honour to assume the Chair of the Smaller Island States at this important moment in our collective journey, and I thank you all for your confidence and support in this role,” he said.
He also extended heartfelt condolences to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, following the recent fire that damaged the RMI Parliament and the passing of former President Christopher Loeak.
“We hold you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,” he added.
President Maamau emphasised the importance of unity and strategic focus, urging SIS leaders to ensure their voices and priorities continue to be heard and respected within the broader Pacific regional framework.
“Since 1984, our Leaders have insisted that our voices be heard and our priorities respected. Yet we know that recognition is never automatic. It must continually be renewed, championed, and backed by clear political choices,” he stated.
He acknowledged the work of SIS officials in identifying key priorities and called for continued collaboration with regional bodies such as the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) to deliver tangible outcomes.
“Our discussions today carry weight well beyond this room,” he told the gathering. “They will shape the visibility of the Smaller Island States in the broader Forum deliberations this week, and they will send a signal to our partners and to the international community.”
President Maamau concluded with a rallying call for bold and united action, stating that while the SIS face significant challenges, they also have the potential to become a strong political force in the Pacific.
“If we are bold and united, the SIS will not only endure as a grouping but will lead in showing how vulnerability can be transformed into political strength.”
At the 53rd PIFLM last year in Tonga, leaders reaffirmed the importance of integrating Smaller Island States’ priorities in the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
SIS is a coalition of Pacific Island countries that face unique development challenges due to their small size, geographic isolation, and limited resources. The SIS includes the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu.
The Pacific Islands Forum recognizes the distinct vulnerabilities of SIS countries and established the SIS Programme Unit to address their development needs and enhance their engagement in regional processes.
The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting continues throughout the week in Honiara and will conclude with the Leaders’ Retreat in Noro, Western Province.
