Nuku’alofa – August 2024. The 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), was held in Nuku‘alofa, Tonga, from 26 to 30 August 2024. It was chaired and hosted by Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hon Hu‘akavameiliku, reaffirming the nation’s leadership in fostering regional cooperation and solidarity. The event was further distinguished by the presence of TRH Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala of Tonga, who presided over key proceedings, symbolising Tonga’s deep commitment to Pacific unity and diplomacy.
The forum gathered a distinguished assembly of Pacific and international leaders to discuss pressing regional challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, economic resilience, and regional security. A major highlight was the address by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who reiterated the urgent need for climate action and called for stronger global commitments to mitigate the existential threats facing Pacific nations. Discussions also focused on*ocean governance, economic recovery post-COVID-19, and strengthening the Blue Pacific narrative to assert the region’s collective interests on the global stage.
The forum saw the participation of key Pacific leaders, including: President Hilda Heine (Marshall Islands), President Lionel Aingimea (Nauru), President Moetai Brotherson (French Polynesia), President Surangel Whipps Jr. (Palau), President Taneti Maamau (Kiribati), President Nikenike Vurobaravu (Vanuatu), Prime Minister Kausea Natano (Tuvalu), Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (Fiji), Prime Minister James Marape (Papua New Guinea), Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa (Samoa), Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (Solomon Islands), Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Australia), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters (New Zealand) and Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland (Commonwealth of Nations)
Key Outcomes and Commitments
1. Climate Action & Resilience
– Leaders reiterated the need for stronger international climate commitments, particularly for loss and damage funding and carbon emission reductions by major economies.
– A renewed call was made for the UN Security Council to recognise climate change as a security threat to Pacific nations.
2. Economic and Sustainable Development
– Agreements were made to enhance regional trade and investment, including strengthening intra-Pacific trade and engagement with international partners.
– A commitment to sustainable fisheries management and blue economy initiatives was reaffirmed, ensuring the protection of vital marine resources.
3. Regional Security & Geopolitics
– Discussions focused on strengthening regional security frameworks, particularly in response to increasing geopolitical competition in the Pacific.
– The importance of Pacific-led security solutions was emphasised, with leaders reaffirming their support for the Biketawa Declaration and Boe Declaration on regional security.
4. Strengthening Pacific Diplomacy
– Leaders agreed on a unified Pacific position ahead of the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29).
– The Blue Pacific Continent strategy was reinforced to amplify Pacific voices in global policymaking.
Conclusion
The 53rd Pacific Islands Forum reaffirmed the region’s unity in tackling shared challenges, with Tonga playing a pivotal role as host and chair. The presence of high-profile global leaders and regional representatives underscored the forum’s significance in shaping the Pacific’s future. The commitments made in Nuku’alofa will drive stronger climate action, economic resilience, and regional security efforts, ensuring that the Pacific’s voice remains central on the global stage.
