| Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) • The Forum was founded in November 1971, with Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, New Zealand, Tonga and Western Samoa as the founding members. • Now has 18 members: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. |
- The annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is hosted in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga recently.
- The Pacific Island Forum has seen an increase in stature over the past few years, as powerful nations seek to peddle influence in the region for example China and the US.
- The Forum focuses on pressing issues likeRegional Security and Climate Change as most of the small island nations face existential threats due to sea levels rising.
- The Pacific Way seeks to build consensus and places relationships between the countries of the “Blue Pacific Family” at the centre.
- The Blue Pacific Family members are linked by common culture and heritage and distinguish themselves from the broader Indo-Pacific region.
- Discussions centred on unrest in New Caledonia, where the Indigenous Kanak people seek independence from France.
- The UN Secretary-General supported efforts to address climate challenges, highlighting the deteriorating water quality in the region.
- An Australian-funded Pacific Police Training Center, aimed at countering China’s influence, was also endorsed by Pacific leaders.
- Controversy arose over Taiwan’s participation, though a previous agreement allowing Taiwan’s involvement was reaffirmed.
Dig Deeper: Read about Small Island Developing States.
