Honiara, Sunday 7 September 2025 – The official opening of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM54) will take place tomorrow, Monday 8 September 2025, at the National Stadium, Sports City, Honiara, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

The ceremony will be open to the public, with seating available in the East Wing of the Stadium. The West Wing has been reserved for VIPs and invited guests of PIFLM54.

Earlier in the afternoon, Forum Leaders will participate in the traditional welcome ceremony of the Tepuke and the Uto ni Yalo at the Maritime Academy of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Due to limited space, this will be a closed session for Leaders and invited delegates only.

However, the public will be able to view the ceremony live on the big screen at the National Stadium prior to the start of the official opening ceremony at 6:00pm. Gates at the National Stadium will open at 4:00pm for the public.

Tomorrow evening’s official opening will feature a cultural welcome with the Chupu Ceremony, the presentation of gifts from Solomon Islands’ nine provinces, and a diversity dance. The programme will also include remarks by Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa, Prime Minister of Tonga Hon. Aisake Valu Eke, and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP, followed by the formal handover of the Forum Chairmanship. A special performance will close the evening’s proceedings.

The official opening marks the start of the week-long programme of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, hosted by Solomon Islands under the theme: “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent.”

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