Following the mandate of Forum Leaders at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tonga in August, the high-level Forum Troika Plus Mission to New Caledonia will take place from 27-29 October.
The mission is strictly observational in line with the request of the Government of New Caledonia and will follow the Terms of Reference, agreed by the French State, the Government of New Caledonia and endorsed by the Forum Leaders.
Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, Forum Chair and Tonga Prime Minister; will lead the mission and will be joined by fellow leaders, Mark Brown, Cook Islands Prime Minister; and Sitiveni Rabuka, Fiji Prime Minister. They will be joined by Peter-Shanel Agovaka, Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
Forum Chair Hu’akavameiliku, noted the high public interest in the mission.
“Our thoughts have always been with the people of New Caledonia since the unrest earlier this year, and we continue to offer our support. I am pleased that we are finally undertaking this critical mission, particularly following Leaders discussion last month,” he said, “This mission highlights the value of the region in coming together to help each other in times of need.”
The Forum Leaders will be supported by Secretary General, Baron Waqa, and senior officials with the guidance of the French State and New Caledonia government. They will tour Noumea and visit with stakeholders impacted by the recent unrest. These include New Caledonian political parties, youth and the impacted communities and dialogues with the private, health and education sectors.
This mission to New Caledonia comes at a pivotal time, as it navigates complex political dynamics and seeks to address ongoing social and economic challenges in New Caledonia.
By understanding local perspectives, the Forum can better support ongoing dialogue about New Caledonia’s future, all while respecting its current status.
