The Forum Secretary General Henry Puna has welcomed the formal opening in Port Vila today of the permanent offices housing the Pacific Fusion Centre.
The Centre is an outcome of regional security priorities identified by Forum Leaders in the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and operates under a Charter endorsed by the Pacific Islands Forum Officials Committee, or FOC. This arrangement ensures their work is aligned with the Pacific Islands Forum security architecture though the FOC Sub-Committee on Regional Security.
Through governance arrangements from the Forum Membership the work of the Centre meets the needs of Pacific governments and informs decisions that strengthen regional security.
Today’s launch reflected the ownership and relevance of the Fusion centre to Pacific nations, said SG Puna. The Forum was represented at the Centre opening by PIF Regional Security Advisor, Michael Crowe.
The Vanuatu-based programme has been under development since 2020 and formally announced FSM national James Movick as its inaugural Director-General in 2022, along with Anna Naupa, of Vanuatu, as the Associate Director for Outreach.
“I wish Director James Movick and his team all the best in taking the Centre forward,” said SG Puna.
“We’re at a timely juncture for this work especially in terms of the Blue Pacific Strategy to 2050 and securing our Pacific future. The Forum Secretariat looks forward to ongoing opportunities for the Centre to enhance information sharing, cooperation and analysis of security issues across our Blue Pacific Continent,” he said.
SOURCE: PIFS/PACNEWS
