The Republic of Palau is gearing up to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) in 2026, the most high-profile regional gathering to take place in the country since it last hosted in 2014.
President Surangel S. Whipps Jr formalised the preparation process with Executive Order No. 495, establishing an Organising Committee to lead planning efforts for the landmark event.
The annual PIF Leaders Meeting, recognised as the premier political and policy platform for the Pacific region, brings together heads of government from 18 member states, as well as associate members, observers, dialogue and development partners, civil society groups, and regional organisations.
President Whipps emphasised the significance of the upcoming event, noting that hosting the forum has the potential to strengthen Palau’s regional influence and generate long-term benefits for its people.
“This will be the most important regional event to be held in Palau in 2026, and its successful execution will impact our reputation and future opportunities for years to come,” he stated in the executive order.
The Committee, co-chaired by the Minister of State and the Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries, includes representatives from various government ministries, traditional leaders, and state organisations. The Committee is tasked with overseeing logistics, coordinating with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, setting the conference theme and priorities, and mobilising resources from government and international partners.
Responsibilities also include venue preparation, security arrangements, accommodation and transportation, communications, and event promotion. The Ministry of Finance will manage all funds related to the event and ensure strict adherence to financial regulations.
The 2026 Forum comes at a pivotal time as the region continues to align its policies under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. That strategy, adopted by Forum leaders, seeks to foster a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Pacific region amid growing challenges from climate change, economic vulnerability, and geopolitical competition.
The preparations for the 55th Forum follow a busy schedule of high-level ministerial meetings in 2025, which will shape the agenda for the 54th Forum Leaders Meeting set for September in Honiara, Solomon Islands. That meeting will focus on advancing priorities such as economic development, gender equality, trade, and regional architecture reform.
“Our collective focus remains on delivering the regional outcomes that our people expect—grounded in the 2050 Strategy and shaped by Pacific priorities,” said Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa ahead of the 54th meeting.
Palau’s return to the helm of Pacific regional diplomacy shows its commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development.
