As the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Tonga approaches, there is increasing pressure on regional institutions like the PIF to deliver tangible results for the communities they represent, according to foreign policy expert Mihai Sora.
Sora, who directs the Pacific program at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, highlighted the urgency for Forum leaders to address critical issues such as the escalating cost of living, healthcare concerns, and the climate crisis when they meet in Nuku’alofa from August 26-30.
“There is pressure on regional institutions, not just the Pacific Islands Forum, to be seen delivering for the communities they represent,” Sora noted. He added that leaders would likely focus on areas where progress is possible, such as climate change and regional security.
The recent Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji brought attention to a variety of issues, including unrest in New Caledonia, membership applications from two U.S. territories, and the need for a homegrown climate finance fund.
French President Emmanuel Macron has authorised a PIF mission to visit New Caledonia before the leaders’ meeting, with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and his counterparts from Fiji and Solomon Islands expected to lead the mission.
Sora acknowledged the challenges of meeting diverse regional interests but expressed optimism about progress on issues like climate change and regional security. “It’s important to be realistic about how much can be accomplished,” he said, noting that the upcoming meeting might not resolve all issues but could still achieve meaningful outcomes.
The 53rd Forum Leaders Meeting will be held under the theme “Transformative, Resilient, Pasifiki: Build Better Now,” and will include the handover of the Forum Chairmanship from PM Brown to Tonga PM Hu’akavameiliku.
