The annual meeting of the leaders of the Pacific Island Forum took place in Tonga from August 26 to 30, with over 1,500 delegates from 40 nations in attendance. The Pacific Island Forum, a group of island nations in Oceania, has gained significance in recent years as major powers vie for influence in the region. Established in 1971, the Forum now consists of 18 member states, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Samoa. The Forum’s goal is to create a resilient Pacific region that promotes peace, harmony, and prosperity for all Pacific peoples.
Climate change and sea level rise are pressing issues for many Forum member countries, with environmental challenges being a key focus of discussions. The Forum’s “Pacific way” of dispute resolution emphasizes building consensus and strengthening relationships among the countries in the “Blue Pacific Family,” which share common culture and heritage.
At this year’s summit, China sent its largest delegation ever, while the U.S. was also represented by a significant delegation led by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell. The main topic of discussion at the Forum was the unrest in New Caledonia, a French territory where violence erupted between French officers and locals.
UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed support for efforts to address climate issues in the region, emphasizing the need for a climate fund to tackle regional challenges. The Forum also discussed the establishment of an Australian-funded Pacific police training center to counter China’s influence in the region.
Overall, the Forum has become a key platform for dialogue and cooperation among Pacific nations, as major powers like China and the U.S. seek to assert their influence in the resource-rich region. The Forum’s growing importance has led to increased international interest, with discussions about restructuring its working model to accommodate new members and dialogue partners.
