
Pacific Leaders Adopt 54th Forum Communiqué
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- Category: Media
Honiara, Solomon Islands, Friday 12 September 2025 - The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting concluded in Honiara with the release of the Leaders’ Communiqué, following two days of retreat in Noro and formal sessions in the capital.
The Communiqué sets the region’s political, security, climate, and development agenda under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, with major outcomes including:
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Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration: Leaders declared the Pacific an “Ocean of Peace”, committing to strengthen regionalism, embed Pacific approaches to peacebuilding, and advance inclusive, people-centred security cooperation.
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Climate leadership & COP31: Leaders reaffirmed that climate change is the single greatest threat to Pacific livelihoods, endorsing Australia’s bid to host COP31 in 2026 as a “Pacific COP”, and committing to coordinated advocacy.
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Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF): Leaders endorsed the Agreement to Establish the PRF, welcomed Tonga’s ratification as host government, and noted US$165 million in pledges to date.
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Nuclear legacy & Rarotonga Treaty: Leaders commemorated the 40th anniversary of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Rarotonga Treaty), urged remaining states to sign and ratify, and reaffirmed opposition to nuclear testing and dumping.
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Maritime boundaries: Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to urgently complete maritime boundary delimitations and safeguard zones against climate-related sea-level rise.
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Peace & security: Leaders highlighted rising threats from transnational crime and synthetic drugs, reaffirmed support for UXO reintegration into regional security work, and linked Ocean of Peace commitments to practical cooperation.
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Resource & economic development: Leaders endorsed fisheries initiatives including the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi), tuna value-chain development, aquaculture, and labour mobility principles.
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Smaller Island States (SIS): Priorities on transport, fisheries participation, procurement, health workforce, and climate finance were mainstreamed across CROP agencies.
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People-centred development: Leaders recommitted to the Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration, mainstreamed Gender Equality & Social Inclusion and Early Childhood Development, and reaffirmed the Healthy Islands vision.
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Digital transformation: Leaders endorsed the Digital Transformation Action Plan, advanced undersea cables and data governance, and raised concerns on the impacts of digital platforms on Pacific youth.
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Regional architecture & partnerships: Leaders adopted the new Leaders Policy on Partnerships to reform engagement with Dialogue Partners and confirmed Troika oversight.
Fronting the media at the conclusion were Forum Chair, Hon. Jeremiah Manele (Prime Minister of Solomon Islands), Hon. Dr. Aisake Valu Eke (Prime Minister of Tonga, outgoing Chair), and Hon. Gustav Aitaro (Foreign Affairs Minister of Palau, incoming Chair). Together, they represent the Forum Troika — past, present, and future Chairs of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Leaders expressed their gratitude to Solomon Islands for hosting the Forum and reaffirmed their solidarity in advancing the collective priorities of the Blue Pacific. Looking ahead, Palau will host the 55th Forum in 2026, New Zealand in 2027, and French Polynesia in 2031.
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Prime Minister Highlights Pacific Priorities at Pacific ACP Leaders Meeting
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Honiara, Monday 8 September 2025 – The Honourable Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele on Monday addressed Pacific ACP Leaders in Honiara, highlighting key achievements, ongoing challenges, and opportunities for the Blue Pacific region.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the leadership of the Kingdom of Tonga as outgoing Pacific ACP Chair. He praised Tonga’s role in advancing the Samoa Agreement, strengthening Pacific climate diplomacy at COP28 and COP29, and supporting the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), the region’s first Pacific-owned financing mechanism for climate and disaster resilience.
“Under Tonga’s leadership, significant progress was made on our collective priorities, leaving legacies that will serve our Blue Pacific region for generations,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of strong representation and influence for Pacific nations in global decision-making. He noted the upcoming appointment of the Pacific’s Assistant Secretary-General at the OACPS Secretariat as a key opportunity to strengthen the region’s voice in Brussels and ensure Pacific perspectives guide decisions on financing, governance, and implementation of the Samoa Agreement.
Climate action remains a central priority. Prime Minister Manele called for the continued empowerment of Pacific Climate Champions to advance the region’s agenda ahead of COP30 and reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ commitment to host COP31 in partnership with Australia.
“Financing for the Pacific is not just about numbers — it is about equity, justice, and fairness,” the Prime Minister said. “Our people are on the frontline of climate change and global shocks, and our share of resources must reflect both our vulnerabilities and our commitment to be responsible partners.”
He urged unity and solidarity among Pacific Leaders, calling for a coordinated approach to ensure sustainable benefits, development, and security for Pacific communities.
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PM Manele Calls for Unity, Partnerships, and Inclusive Dialogue at Leaders Meeting
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Honiara, Monday 8 September 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele has called on Pacific Leaders to use this year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting to deepen regional unity, strengthen partnerships, and advance inclusive dialogue.
The Prime Minister said the week-long gathering in Honiara provides an important platform for political discussions, cultural exchanges, and engagement with regional stakeholders including the private sector, civil society, and youth.“These dialogues are a demonstration of our commitment to inclusivity – but the dialogues alone are not sufficient – it is only the beginning. There is work yet to be done to ensure that we are able to follow through on these conversations.”
He highlighted the important role of Pacific youth, acknowledging Solomon Islanders Solomon Yeo, Cynthia Houihi, and Rodrick Rolland for their advocacy on climate justice, alongside their peers from Vanuatu, Tonga, Fiji, Australia, and Samoa.
The Prime Minister also thanked regional partners for their support in preparations for PIFLM54, while reaffirming the importance of investing in strong, effective regional institutions.
“One thing is for certain, we must continue to invest in our regional organisations. They must grow from strength to strength and more so, that they continue to respond to the needs of its members.”
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SOLOMON ISLANDS ASSUMES CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM
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Honiara, Monday 8 September 2025 – Solomon Islands has assumed the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum during the official opening ceremony of the 54th Leaders Meeting in Honiara.
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele formally took on the role from the Kingdom of Tonga, praising Tonga’s “leadership and tenacity” over the past year under the stewardship of both former Prime Minister Sovaleni and current Prime Minister Hon. Aisake Valu Eke.
“We have all witnessed and felt the Tongan mafana throughout Tonga’s tenure as Forum Chair – under both the former Prime Minister Sovaleni as well as our brother here with us this evening, Prime Minister Eke – malo ‘aupito.”
The Prime Minister said he was humbled by the confidence placed in him by his fellow Leaders to take on the role of Chair, noting that the responsibility was significant.
“The magnitude of the task ahead does not escape me, but I will rely on and remain grateful for the counsel of colleagues Leaders over the next 12 months. This, our 54th Pacific Islands Forum, marks a significant moment for our region as we come together to reaffirm our unity, our values, and our collective resolve.”
The assumption of the Forum Chairmanship by Solomon Islands comes 33 years after the country last hosted the Pacific Islands Forum in 1992.
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