by Ronald Toito’ona
Leaders of the Smaller Island States (SIS) convened in Honiara today ahead of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, reaffirming their unity and commitment to advancing the priorities of the region’s most vulnerable members.
Outgoing SIS Chair, President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia, reflected on his country’s tenure, when speaking at the opening event at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Conference centre.
“It has been an honour for the Federated States of Micronesia to serve as Chair of the Smaller Island States grouping over the last year,” he said.
President Simina highlighted four agreed priority actions: securing reliable air and sea transport, advancing fisheries development, strengthening regional procurement and health workforce mechanisms, and enhancing access to climate finance.
“These are not abstract issues. They are the realities that we contend with on a daily basis,” the FSM President added.
He emphasised the importance of collective strength, noting:
“Our remoteness and vulnerability are not signs of weakness, but enduring reminders of why the SIS must continue to stand together. Our grouping reminds the region that the measure of Pacific solidarity lies not in averages, but in our ability to elevate the most vulnerable among us.”
Taking over as Chair, President Taneti Maamau of Kiribati thanked his colleagues for their confidence and acknowledged the hardships faced by the Republic of the Marshall Islands following a devastating fire and the passing of former President Christopher Loeak.
“We hold you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,” President Maamau said.
In his opening remarks, he underscored the weight of the SIS agenda in shaping the broader Forum week.
“Our discussions today carry weight well beyond this room. They will shape the visibility of the Smaller Island States in the broader Forum deliberations this week, and they will send a signal to our partners and to the international community.”
He also called for boldness and unity, urging colleagues to transform vulnerabilities into political strength.
“If we are bold and united, the SIS will not only endure as a grouping, but will lead in showing how vulnerability can be transformed into political strength.”
Meanwhile, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa also addressed the meeting, congratulating President Maamau and reaffirming the Secretariat’s support.
“The SIS group has always held a special place within the Forum family,” he said.
“It is a political expression of our solidarity as the smallest and most vulnerable members, and a reminder that our regional architecture must serve all equally, especially those with the least capacity but the greatest need,” Mr Waqa added.
The Secretary General outlined three substantive agenda items: the review of the SIS Group and Strategy with its four priority areas, Tonga’s expression of interest to join the SIS, and revitalisation of the SIS Development Fund.
“These items go to the heart of how the SIS will organise, advocate, and lead in the years ahead,” he said.
Member Countries of the Forum’s Smaller Island States (SIS) Group include Cook Islands, Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Niue, and Tuvalu.
The SIS Leaders Meeting sets the stage for the week-long PIF54 deliberations in Honiara, including the Leaders’ Retreat later in Noro, Western Province on Thursday this week.