By Pita Ligaiula in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has told Forum Leaders the Pacific must never be treated as a playground for outside powers, stressing that solidarity is the region’s greatest strength in a fast-changing global environment.
“The world around us is changing fast. Competition on our global interests is intensifying. And the Pacific must never be seen as an arena for others,” Manele said when opening the Forum Leaders Plenary in Honiara Wednesday.
He reminded leaders that the region cannot afford to be “passing bystanders” to global competition.
“We are not passing bystanders. We are nations born by shared values and the Pacific way. Our theme ‘In Me Together’ is a resounding call for a renewed commitment to depend on regionalism,” Manele said.
The Solomon Islands Prime Minister noted that the Leaders’ agenda is being increasingly shaped by requests from sectoral ministers, underlining the need to align their work with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
“There is a proposal to consider the agenda’s setting process for leaders, including the format of the agenda to better align with the 2050 strategy implementation mechanism. I encourage us to keep this in mind throughout the consideration of the issues before us today,” he said.
Manele urged Forum Leaders to use the sessions in Honiara to make courageous decisions that strengthen unity and advance regional priorities.
“I hope that we can use these sessions today and tomorrow in our retreat to deliberate with courage, calm and unity,” he said.
