Pacific leaders urged to stand firm in midst of global tensions
BY NED GAGAHE
One of the country’s top academic and Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau has sounded a strong warning as tensions escalate in the Middle East, urging Pacific leaders to stand firm to protect the region as an “Ocean of Peace”.
Professor Aqorau said the growing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is deeply alarming, with missiles flying, civilians caught in the crossfire, oil tankers reportedly struck, and the strategic Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most vital oil routes — now closed.
“Some leaders speak of success, but war never has winners. The real cost is paid by ordinary people,” Aqorau said.
He warns that while the fighting may seem far from Pacific shores, its consequences will not spare island nations.
If oil supplies from the Gulf are disrupted, global fuel prices are expected to surge. For Pacific Island countries heavily dependent on imported fuel, this would mean higher electricity costs, more expensive transport, rising food prices and an increased cost of living.
“Our already fragile economies could face another severe external shock,” he said.
Aqorau said that the region is already grappling with immense challenges like climate change, rising sea levels, drug-related issues, mental health pressures, youth unemployment, diabetes, slow economic growth and rapidly growing populations.
“At a time when we are dealing with so many pressing issues, we do not need more global instability, we need peace,” he said.
He reminded leaders that Pacific nations have declared the region an “Ocean of Peace”, grounded in unity, sovereignty, dialogue and non-militarisation.
“This is not just symbolic. It is strategic, our islands have suffered before from global power rivalries and war. We know the long shadows they cast,”Aqorau said.
As global power dynamics continue to shift, he urges Pacific countries to deepen solidarity and cooperation among themselves.
“Our strength is in regional unity. Our security must be rooted in development, climate resilience and human wellbeing — not militarisation,” he said.
Aqorau said that war diverts vital resources away from essential services.
“War diverts resources from schools to weapons, from hospitals to missiles, from climate action to destruction. Peace creates the space for progress,” he said.
For the sake of future generations, he said, Pacific nations must hold fast to their commitment to peace.
“For the sake of our children — their health, their education, their future — the Pacific must stand firm as an Ocean of Peace.
“In a world drifting toward conflict, let us choose stability. Let us choose cooperation. Let us choose peace,” he said.
Photo: Supplied
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