Honiara, Sunday 7 September 2025 –  A special service was held this afternoon at St Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara to mark the start of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (54PIFLM).

The service brought together Forum Leaders, Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, government ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and invited guests in reflection and prayer for the success of the week-long meeting.

As the first official event of the Forum, the service highlighted the spirit of unity and fellowship that underpins this year’s theme: “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent.”

Delivering the sermon, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, Reverend James Bhagwan, reminded leaders that the ocean, reefs, and islands are gifts from God entrusted to them as custodians for future generations. He strongly emphasized the importance of working together to safeguard these shared treasures.

The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting will be held from 8–12 September 2025 in Solomon Islands, with all main sessions in Honiara and the Leaders Retreat to be hosted in Noro, Western Province.

The official opening ceremony will take place in Honiara tomorrow.

[ENDS]