“While we welcome partnerships that respect our sovereignty and priorities, we must remain vigilant,” the outgoing chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke, told Pacific leaders at the opening ceremony of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leader’s Meeting (54PIFLM) on Monday, 8 September in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister Eke urged Pacific leaders to remain vigilant amidst growing geopolitical interest in our region.
“Our engagement must be grounded in trust, transparency and mutual respect – ensuring that external collaborations strengthen, rather than divide, our Blue Pacific family,” he said.
In his powerful message, he called for bold innovation and the forging of genuine and enduring partnerships.
Pacific COP
PM Eke also expressed support for Australia hosting COP31, an opportunity to highlight the voice of the Pacific.
“We sincerely hope it that it will be a Pacific COP - we stand united as a Pacific Family, in anticipation to be afforded the opportunity to partner with Australia in shaping the agenda, ensuring that climate resilience, inclusive development, and regional governance reforms remain central.”
Recalling the memorable opening ceremony of the 53rd PIFLM in Nuku’alofa last year, which was marked by heavy rains, flooding, and a 6.9 magnitude earthquake, PM Eke noted, “That experience did not define us as vulnerable but as people of great resilience and people of unity - pressing through with perseverance and determination.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of Tonga’s former Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku (Siaosi Sovaleni), who initiated Tonga's leadership from the 53rd PIFLM meeting.
PM Eke then formally handed chairmanship to the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele.
The 54th PIFLM theme is “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent” serves as a call to act decisively, together, for the future of Pacific peoples.
The climate emergency crisis and environmental challenge is still on top of region’s priority agenda.
Guided by the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy, leaders in Honiara will focus on climate action, sustainable development, and economic resilience for the Pacific.
PRF
A significant outcome of the 54th PIFLM meeting will be the establishment of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), a Pacific-led solution designed to resource resilience on the region's own terms.
The PRF establishment agreement will be signed during the meeting, with the facility's office set to be located in Tonga.
The Government and people of Solomon Islands hosted the opening ceremony of the 54th PIFLM at the National Stadium in Honiara with a spectacular display of diversity dances demonstrating the cultural richness of the Blue Pacific Continent.
The 54th PIFLM meeting will conclude this Friday, 12 September.
