Pacific Islands Forum

Our Pacific Vision: a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion & prosperity so that all Pacific people can lead free, healthy & productive lives.

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

#FEMM2026

MEDIA RELEASE: Forum Economic Ministers to Address Global Risks and Regional Resilience

19 June 2026

Suva, Fiji – Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Economic and Finance Ministers will convene in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands, on 23 and 24 June 2026 for the annual Forum Economic Ministers Meeting. The meeting will be chaired by Honourable David Paul, Minister of Finance, Banking and Postal Services of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Economic and Finance Ministers will reflect on the importance of accelerating the implementation of the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED) under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, recognising that deeper regional economic integration, strengthened collective action, and enhanced policy coordination are critical to building a more resilient, stable, and prosperous Blue Pacific.

Read full media release here: https://t.co/GW8CaDyYaS

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #FEMM2026 #PRED

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The Pacific Islands Forum Officials Committee Sub-Committee on Regional Security met today, bringing together Forum Members and regional partners to advance discussions on regional peace and security priorities.

The meeting provided an opportunity for Members to exchange views, review ongoing regional initiatives, and consider pathways for strengthening collective action in support of a peaceful, secure, and resilient Blue Pacific.

#iumitugeda #OneBluePacific #RegionalSecurity

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

#FEMM2026

Iakwe, Talofa, Mauri, Halo from the Pacific Islands Forum!

The Forum Economic Ministers Meeting will take place in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands, from 23–24 June 2026.

The 2026 FEMM will be chaired by Honourable David Paul, Minister of Finance, Banking and Postal Services for the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Stay tuned for updates from Majuro!

#Iumitugeda #OneBluePacific #Regionalism #FEMM2026 #PacificRoadmapOnEconomicDevelopment #PRED

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

#FEMM2026

Iakwe. Our Forum Economic and Finance Ministers are heading to Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands, for the 2026 Forum Economic Ministers Meeting.

Taking place from 23 to 24 June 2026, under the theme “Economic and Financial Inclusion in the Pacific”

Hear from our Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, ahead of FEMM.

#Iumitugeda #OneBluePacific #Regionalism #FEMM2026 #PacificRoadmapOnEconomicDevelopment

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

Legal metrology inspectors from Papua New Guinea and Tonga successfully completed a two-week attachment training programme held from 11–22 May 2026 in Auckland under the Pacific Islands Forum Pacific Quality Infrastructure (PQI) Initiative.

Delivered through Trading Standards New Zealand (TSNZ), the programme focused on the verification of weighing scales and fuel meters, which is essential for fair trade, consumer protection, and accurate everyday transactions.

The training also highlighted the growing contribution of women to metrology and quality infrastructure across the Pacific. Both participating inspectors were women, representing Papua New Guinea and Tonga.

The PQI Initiative was established to strengthen the quality of products and services made in the Pacific, consumed locally, and exported to international markets by improving access to quality infrastructure services.

It applies a strategic, demand-driven, and participatory approach to address Forum Members’ priority quality infrastructure needs. The initiative is guided by international best practices, including the requirements of the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.

The PQI Initiative is a key intervention area under the Pacific Aid-for-Trade Strategy 2026–2030 (PAfTS) and supports implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #PacificTrade

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) meeting convened today, with senior officials from around the region joining virtually to discuss the evolving impact of the Middle East Crisis on the Forum Members.

The RRM welcomed the comprehensive national updates from capitals across the region in response to the crisis, while also recognising the emerging news of a peace deal in the Middle East. Members reaffirmed the importance of continuing preparations for possible escalation, noting that the region continues to be subject to external shocks.

Triggered under the Biketawa Declaration, the RRM provides a consolidated opportunity for coordinated responses on energy security, resilient supply chains, and economic security. Members also acknowledged the ongoing support of the CROP Taskforce, chaired jointly by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the Pacific Community.

#OneBluePacific #biketawadeclaration #RegionalResponse #OceanOfPeace #iumitugeda

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Divavesi Waqa gave the opening remarks this morning at the 2026 Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva, Fiji.

Facing a complex landscape of global instability, Secretary-General Waqa delivered a powerful message of resilience, unity, and unwavering confidence in the Blue Pacific’s future.

#PacificSecurity #OneBluePacific #pacificislandsforum #PeaceAndSecurity

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The 2026 PIFS E‑commerce Rules Course for Pacific Policymakers has successfully delivered its two interactive sessions as part of its third cycle, providing a learning and discussion platform for policymakers across the Pacific and Timor‑Leste.

The sessions, held on 7 May and 2 June, recorded strong engagement, bringing together over 100 participants combined. The sessions featured over fifteen (15) international expert presentations, alongside interactive discussions and insights.

Across both sessions, participants explored key legal, regulatory, and policy developments shaping e‑commerce and digital trade, including emerging global trends, regional integration efforts, and practical implementation in the Pacific context.

This work aligns with the 2050 Strategy and supporting priorities of the Pacific Regional E commerce Strategy and Roadmap.

#PacificEcommerceInitiative #DigitalTrade #EcommerceRules #PacificAidforTrade #OneBluePacific #Regionalism

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

[JOINT MEDIA RELEASE] COP31 Pacific Climate Envoys To Elevate Climate Change Impacts On Global Stage

15 June 2026

The Pacific COP31 Envoys, endorsed by the Pacific Climate Change Ministers, have now been formally appointed through a joint letter from the COP31 President-Designate and President of Negotiations.

The Pacific COP31 Envoys are Ms Kristina Eonemto Stege from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Envoy for Oceania focusing on keeping 1.5 within reach; Mr Ruel Yamuna from Papua New Guinea, the Envoy for Access to Climate Finance; and Honourable Inia B. Seruiratu MP from Fiji, the Envoy for the Ocean.

Read full media release here: https://t.co/aR9YAoQWve

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The 13th Pacific Islands Standards Committee (PISC) meeting was held on 28 May 2026, under the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative (PQII), bringing together focal points from eleven (11) Forum Island Countries.

The meeting advanced regional cooperation, with discussions covering key regional priorities, including PISC’s external engagements with ASTM (formerly - American Society for Testing and Materials), International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission, updates from the Technical Committees on building and Construction, Food and food products, Kava, as well as upcoming national priorities.

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat works in partnership with Standards Australia for this work on #PQII

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #Standards #QualityInfrastructure

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

At a time of rising global tensions, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders stand in solidarity.

Grounded in the Blue Pacific’s Ocean of Peace Declaration, Forum Leaders have issued an Appeal for Global Peace, calling for dialogue, restraint and renewed commitment to international cooperation.

Read the Statement from Forum Leaders: https://t.co/DXwLeMIr5O

#iumitugeda #OneBluePacific

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Divavesi Waqa met with the new Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Fiji, His Excellency Young-seup Kwon, at the Forum Secretariat today.

Having recently taken up his post in Suva, Secretary-General Waqa congratulated him on his appointment as Head of Mission and welcomed him to the Forum Secretariat.

During their meeting, Secretary-General Waqa expressed appreciation for Korea’s relations with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and its members.

They also discussed issues of mutual interest, including Korea’s support for the region, acknowledging its recent convening of the Republic of Korea-PIF Senior Officials Meeting in Nadi, Fiji, last month. Korea has been a PIF Dialogue Partner since 1995.

#OneBluePacific #PIF #dialoguepartner

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

Fresh from her successful election to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Villaney Remengesau reflects on this proud achievement and shares her excitement for advancing disability rights and building a more inclusive future for all.

#iumitugeda #OneBluePacific #disabilityinclusion #LeaveNoOneBehind

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

#PacificLeadership

Faatino Utumapu of Samoa and Villaney Remengesau of Palau, pictured together following their successful election as newly elected members of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Their achievement reflects the Pacific's strong commitment to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities at the global level.

#iumitugeda #OneBluePacific #disabilityinclusion #LeaveNoOneBehind

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The Pacific Islands Forum’s CROP Taskforce on the Middle East Crisis convened its 4th meeting this morning, with discussions focused on identifying appropriate regional response mechanisms to assist Forum members in navigating these complex challenges.

Convened virtually and co-chaired by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Pacific Community (SPC), the Technical Working Groups (TWGs) updated the Taskforce on their findings related to the region’s energy crisis, emerging risks, and proposed actions that could be taken to address some of the challenges ahead for Forum members.

The work and the insights of the TWGs would contribute to the development of regional triggers and escalation thresholds. There are TWGs on fuel supply and logistics, economics, with health and food security also being considered. Ultimately, all the work of the TWGs will lead to the formulation of a proposed regional trigger and escalation threshold framework for the Blue Pacific Continent.

#OneBluePacific #croptaskforce #pacificislandsforum #regionalism #iumitugeda

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

Ongoing work on the Regional Partnership Mechanism was the subject of discussions today in a virtual meeting convened by the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA) Working Group at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).

The work on the partnership mechanism is part of larger work by the PIF to determine if the region’s governance and institutional frameworks, particularly, are fit for purpose to deliver on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Besides discussions on the Forum architecture, the Working Group also looked at the communique drafting process, in line with the direction of Leaders.

#OneBluePacific #PacificRegionalism #2050strategy #pacificislandsforum #RegionalCooperation #iumitugeda

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

Speaking on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum, Palau's Minister of State, Hon. Gustav Aitaro, emphasised the Forum's commitment towards meaningful inclusion and the full participation of persons with disabilities in shaping the region's future.

"Guided by the principle of “Nothing about us, without us,” the Pacific Islands Forum remains committed to ensuring disability inclusion is integrated across all sectors, including climate action, health, education, and emerging technologies."

Pacific Islands Forum Statement at 19th Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: https://t.co/YQ8Tn1lGJU

#iumitugeda #OneBluePacific #disabilityinclusion #LeaveNoOneBehind

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The Pacific Islands Forum warmly congratulates Faatino Utumapu of Samoa and Villaney Remengesau of Palau on their successful election to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

This achievement marks a proud milestone for the Blue Pacific and reflects the strength of Pacific leadership in advancing the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities at the global level.
As current and former Co-Chairs of the Pacific Disability Forum, Faatino and Villaney have been unwavering advocates for disability rights and have played a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities across our region.

Their election comes at a significant moment as Pacific leaders and partners finalise the refreshed Pacific Framework on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, reinforcing our collective commitment to disability-inclusive development and ensuring that no one is left behind.

The Pacific has made clear its ambition to strengthen its voice and leadership in global disability governance, including the proposal to host a future session of the CRPD Committee in the Pacific by 2030. Their presence on the Committee will help ensure that Pacific perspectives, priorities, and lived experiences contribute meaningfully to international discussions and decision-making.

Speaking on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum, Palau's Minister of State, Hon. Gustav Aitaro, emphasised this commitment towards meaningful inclusion:
"Guided by the principle of “Nothing about us, without us,” the Pacific Islands Forum remains committed to ensuring disability inclusion is integrated across all sectors, including climate action, health, education, and emerging technologies." -

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat continues to partner with the Pacific Disability Forum as the regional representative body for persons with disabilities, and the Pacific Community (SPC) on this critical work of disability inclusion and equity.

Pacific Islands Forum Statement at 19th Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: https://t.co/YQ8Tn1mezs

#iumitugeda #OneBluePacific #disabilityinclusion #LeaveNoOneBehind

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat welcomed National Security Coordinators from across the region for a Roundtable convened by the Pacific Fusion Centre.

The gathering provided an important platform for dialogue on the evolving security landscape facing the Blue Pacific, including climate change, transnational crime, cyber threats, illegal fishing, energy security, and other emerging challenges.

The Roundtable highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen regional security governance, including the development of the Regional Peace and Security Action Plan 2026-2030.

Read Secretary General Waqa' Opening Remarks: https://t.co/xpN7kyvz8Q

#OneBluePacific #iumitugeda #PeaceAndSecurity

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The 4th Meeting of the Consultative Committee of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Rarotonga Treaty) was held today at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva in a hybrid format, bringing together States Parties and Observers.

The meeting was chaired by the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Joseph Ma’ahanua.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Treaty’s entry into force, providing an important opportunity to reflect on its enduring significance.

The Treaty remains more than a legal commitment; it reflects our collective Pacific identity grounded in peace, environmental stewardship, and a shared responsibility for safeguarding our Blue Pacific Continent.

At a time of evolving global and regional nuclear challenges, the Rarotonga Treaty continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Pacific’s commitment to a nuclear-free Blue Pacific and to international peace and security.

As the Treaty continues to guide regional cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and security, the Consultative Committee remains central to its implementation, providing a vital platform for dialogue, coordination, and collective action among States Parties.

Discussions at the meeting focused on advancing implementation of the Treaty, preparations for a Second Meeting of States Parties and the Treaty’s 40th anniversary commemoration in December 2026, as well as ongoing regional advocacy and cooperation on nuclear-related issues.

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism