by Ronald Toito’ona
The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting officially opened in Honiara last night, with powerful messages of solidarity, resilience, and urgency from regional leaders.
Outgoing Chair, Prime Minister of Tonga Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke, Incoming Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, and Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa each spoke on the theme of the gathering: “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent.”
Prime Minister Eke reflected on Tonga’s own trials, recalling the devastating 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami alongside the hardships of climate change and natural disasters.
“That experience did not define us as vulnerable but as people of great resilience and people of unity pressing through with perseverance and determination.”
He then reminded leaders that the Pacific must not be defined by vulnerability but by resilience.
PM Eke also urged the Forum family to embrace its role as “custodians of our ocean, guardians of our island and champions of sustainability for generations to come.”
Taking up the mantle of Forum Chair, Prime Minister Manele said it was a great honour and deep privilege for Solomon Islands to host the regional family, after the country last hosted the summit 33 years ago.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Solomons PM emphasized that unity and immediate action were essential.
“Iumi Tugeda reflects the spirit of Pacific solidarity, rooted in kinship, mutual respect, and the Pacific Way. Act Now reminds us that the challenges we face demand immediate and united responses.”
Manele highlighted two historic outcomes expected from the Honiara meeting — the signing of the Pacific Resilience Facility and the endorsement of the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration — calling them “a strong political recommitment to resilience and peace across our Blue Pacific Continent.”
Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa echoed these sentiments, stressing that the Forum must remain anchored in solidarity amid growing global uncertainties.
“Yes, we operate in a very fluid geostrategic environment, but we must hold fast to our commitment to our Forum Family,” he said.
Waqa also reminded leaders that their decisions would have lasting implications.
“The choices we make today are not just for us, but for our children and grandchildren. Iumi Tugeda is not just a theme — it is our call to revitalise our Pacific Regionalism.”