by Ronald Toito’ona
Pacific leaders have formally adopted the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, pledging to uphold unity, peace, and resilience across the region, in what Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka called “a defining moment for our Pacific family.”
Delivering the keynote at the commemorative event in Honiara, Prime Minister Rabuka said the declaration reflected the strength of Pacific unity.
“Our hope is in the collective. Nothing must come between us, not even economic interests or the rising seas. A combined Pacific voice rings loud and echoes afar. Our unity is our dignity and strength,” he said.
Rabuka also spoke on the existential threats facing the region, from climate change to organized crime, and stressed the urgency of action.
“The call to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is not just a target—it is a lifeline. For us, this is neither about politics, nor a mere scientific debate.
“It is a matter of survival, and our survival is not negotiable.”
He added that the Ocean of Peace framework carried a powerful message to the world.
“The Ocean of Peace tells the world who we are as a people. Our silence must never be misread for emptiness or weakness. While we might be small, our determination and faith in the God we serve, is the very source of our being and resolve.”
Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and host of the 54th PIF Leaders Meeting, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, said the declaration was rooted in history and a solemn vow to safeguard the Pacific’s future.
“Nearly eighty decades ago, the tranquil shores of Solomon Islands were a site of one of the most brutal confrontations of the Second World War.
“The Ocean of Peace Declaration is a reclamation of our sovereignty and our shared destiny.
“It is a solemn vow that our seas, air and lands will never again be drawn into the vortex of great power rivalry,” PM Manele said.
Manele also stressed the declaration’s role as a framework for resilience and security.
“Our commitment to the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration is for the entire Pacific family to tackle climate change, natural disasters, socio-economic issues, or emerging threats that demand multidimensional solutions,” he said.
“By declaring the Pacific as a nuclear-free region, committed to a rules-based international system, we show the world that we are a responsible region and a model for cooperation,” Mr Manele added.
He called the declaration “a beacon of peace” and urged leaders to keep unity at the heart of their vision.
“With the umi tugeda spirit let us engage with all, trade with all and work with all. May the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration be our compass as we navigate the challenges of the present and the promise of the future.”
The adoption of the Ocean of Peace Declaration marks a new chapter for the Pacific Islands Forum, aligning traditional values of solidarity with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and sending a strong message of peace and resilience to the global community.
