By Katalina Siasau

The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) Treaty is set for ratification at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in September, a decision announced following the Forum Economic Ministers' Meeting (FEMM) held in Nuku'alofa this week, from 25-26 March.

The Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Prime Minister Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke, and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General, Baron Waqa, told media at the St George Government Building yesterday, that along with the progress of the PRF, were the approval of the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED), a revised plan aligning with the 2050 Strategy. They also advanced the Climate Finance Access & Mobilisation Strategy (CFAMS) to address regional climate change funding needs.

The Secretary General noted that the PRF has been a focus of significant effort, acknowledging the hard work of members across the region, the Secretariat, and the leadership of the former Chairman, former Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku.

PRF pledges

The Forum Secretary General said they are continuing to seek additional support for the establishment of the PRF.

“We're still working on others to come on board, but right now we have a good number of support from countries pledging.”

Australia is the largest supporter currently, with a commitment of AUD$100 million. Japan recently announced their support of around USD$3 million. The United States committed USD$5 million, and an additional USD$20 million during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (53rdPIFLM) that was held in Nuku’alofa last year.

The Forum SG noted the U.S. has lifted its suspension of its PRF committed funds, despite concerns raised by some about potential impacts on the PRF of a freeze on USAID..

“They've lifted their suspension on the PRF with regards to the operational funds that they've committed, which is 5.8 million US dollars. But the pledge is still there."

The Forum Chairman, Hon. Dr. Eke is planning on how to approach the next move, "and that's to confirm the Americas, U.S. full commitment and we are confident of that. We are!” the Secretary General said.

A series of campaigns has been planned for the PRF, including a significant fundraising and pledge commitment event alongside the UN General Assembly later this year, the SG revealed.

Hon. Dr Eke is planning on getting more programs, building up towards that big side event.

Geopolitical conflicts

Hon. Dr. Eke noted it is crucial that we, Pacific Islanders, unite to address the pressing issues around us, particularly the geopolitical conflicts.

By standing together, Dr. Eke said we can strategize and adapt to that situation, enabling effective collaboration, and that leaders must leverage those situations for our maximum benefit.

“So this is how we have this to position ourselves for the benefit of our people in our uncertain world," he said.

SG Waqa said that development partners must adhere to our rules and practices, ensuring genuine alignment with our priorities.

“We're trying our best to collaborate with each other and those coming in to partner with us for anything, for any development program, must adhere to our own rules and way we conduct our business here and that is to be genuine. When they come in, they align themselves with our priorities and we have the 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific continent all ready for them to respect.”

Climate Change

PM Dr. Eke noted that global events significantly affect our region and individual countries, with climate change being a prominent challenge. Despite that, “we have resources, resources that have the potential, but we need financial and also capacity for development of them to the optimum level."

He noted it is important to seek resources from global multilateral institutions, particularly signaling resources like the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF).

A full Forum Economic Ministers Meeting will follow in August that will be held in Samoa.

The key outcomes of the FEMM meeting will be published soon, by the Forum Secretariat.