Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) leaders have agreed to table the possibility of a Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) candidate for the United Nations Secretary-General position at their next meeting, following a proposal by Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.
The decision signals the MSG’s intent to strengthen the Pacific’s voice on the global stage.
In their meeting on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, the leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to engaging in direct dialogue with Indonesia over the situation in West Papua and the broader Papuan provinces.
Despite previous opportunities to meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo falling through, the MSG leaders highlighted the importance of establishing a high-level platform for open discussions on human rights and development issues affecting the Melanesian population in the Papuan provinces.
The MSG leaders reiterated their support for the PIF’s outstanding request for the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner to visit West Papua, emphasising the need for ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring international attention to the region.
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape extended invitations to MSG leaders for the Papal visit to Papua New Guinea from 06-09 September ,2024, and the country’s 50th Independence celebrations on 16 September 2025.
Marape also proposed holding an MSG Leaders Group during the Independence celebrations, emphasising the significance of these events in fostering regional unity.
The MSG leaders welcomed Marape’s invitation, viewing the upcoming events as key opportunities to further regional solidarity and continue critical discussions on Melanesian priorities.
