Pacific island leaders and Japan concluded the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) with a renewed commitment to advancing cooperation on six critical areas. The newly announced Joint Action Plan outlines a strategic framework for collaborative efforts aligned with the 2050 Strategy.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown told the Pacific leaders that the six regional priority areas of the action plan is a unified approach to oceans, climate change, peace and security, people-centered development, and political leadership.
Under Political Leadership and Regionalism, the plan involves active participation in regional meetings, support for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) initiatives, and respect for regional unity.
For people-centered development, the focus will be on enhancing health systems and educational frameworks. “We are committed to strengthening healthcare and improving educational outcomes, leveraging Japan’s expertise,” said Brown. The plan includes support for the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) and increased cooperation in health and education sectors.
In terms of peace and security, Japan will contribute airforce and navy resources for enhanced ocean border protection and tackle transnational crime through the Pacific Transnational Organised Crime Disruption Strategy 2024-2028.
The framework also addresses resources and economic development, including labor mobility and financial infrastructure improvements. Japan’s commitment to transparency on ALPS-related water discharge and climate resilience highlights the partnership’s focus on environmental sustainability.
