By Pita Ligaiula in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says Pacific leaders have agreed on a series of major outcomes from their annual meeting in Honiara, including the endorsement of the Ocean of Peace Declaration, the launch of the Pacific Resilience Facility, and stronger regional integration.
“It is an honour to address you today following the successful conclusion of the 2025 Forum Leaders Meeting here in Honiara,” Manele told reporters at the closing press conference Friday.
“Over the course of our week-long deliberations, we have reflected deeply on our shared priorities, reaffirmed our unity as a region, and agreed on clear actions that will help guide the Blue Pacific Continent through an increasingly complex and challenging strategic environment.”
Manele was joined by Troika members — Tonga Prime Minister Dr Aisake Eke and Palau Foreign Minister Gustav Aitaro — as he outlined key highlights of the meeting.
High-Level Political Talanoa
Leaders reviewed the report of the High-Level Political Talanoa, based on consultations across the region.
Manele said the recommendations were “of a high quality, balanced and practical,” but noted the sensitivity of the report. He confirmed the Troika would provide direct oversight of its implementation.
“Central to the report is the call for deepened and revitalised Pacific regionalism, a more efficient regional system and integrated delivery for our Pacific people,” he said.
Pacific Resilience Facility
The meeting saw the signing of the Establishment Agreement for the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), described by Manele as “a financing facility for the Pacific, by the Pacific.”
He said the PRF would be a crucial tool to advocate for funding to help Pacific nations better prepare for climate impacts.
“I thank all those who have made pledges to this Facility to date,” he said.
Ocean of Peace Declaration
Leaders endorsed the Ocean of Peace Declaration, aimed at strengthening peace and stability in the Pacific.
Manele highlighted its focus on addressing legacy issues such as unexploded ordnance.
Quoting Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Manele said: “The Ocean of Peace Declaration is a signal that we seek a region in which strategic competition is managed; where stability is the touchstone of regional relationships; and where coercion is eschewed.”
Manele said the declaration recognised sustainable development as central to peacebuilding and stability in the region.
Partnerships and International Engagement
Leaders also endorsed a new Policy on Partnerships for the Forum, aimed at ensuring strategic cooperation with development partners. Manele stressed the importance of giving Pacific nations space to make their own decisions.
“We remain committed to strengthening and elevating our partnerships to support our shared priorities and values and we hope that this new Leaders Policy will provide a firm basis for this, moving forward,” he said.
On international issues, Leaders agreed to increase engagement with the United States on nuclear legacy concerns and reaffirmed the importance of securing U.S. Tuna Treaty payments.
They also endorsed a new regional mechanism for nominating candidates to international positions.
Regional Integration and Labour Mobility
Manele said Leaders agreed to step up efforts to drive sustainable economic growth through greater regional integration in fisheries, tourism, transport, and finance.
“In the heart of regional integration is the freer movement of people,” he said. Leaders endorsed the Pacific Regional Labour Mobility Principles to guide the social and economic benefits of worker schemes.
Smaller Island States (SIS) identified air and sea transport as a critical priority to improve trade and development.
Climate Change and COP31
The Forum expressed strong support for Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 with the Pacific.
“We contribute so little to global warming but we face the brunt of its impacts. Having a Pacific COP will be an opportunity to share with the world that we are not defined by our vulnerabilities but by the strength of our resilience,” Manele said.
He praised Pacific youth and Vanuatu’s leadership in securing the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate change.
Ocean Priorities
Leaders reaffirmed the centrality of the ocean to the Pacific’s future, including discussions on deep sea minerals. Manele said one message was clear: “ACT NOW!”
The Way Forward
Manele also thanked Leaders for their commitment and resilience, while warning that challenges remain.
“We achieved a mammoth task this week and I thank my fellow Forum Leaders for their commitment, endurance and more importantly, standing in solidarity as we wrap up this week’s discussions. But many more lies ahead, and it will not be a smooth journey, but I am confident, that with my fellow Troika colleagues, we can navigate our vaka. Iumi tugeda, ACT now for an integrated Blue Pacific Continent.”
Leaders endorsed New Zealand as the host of the 56th Forum Leaders in 2027 and endorsed French Polynesia’s offer to host the 60th Forum Leaders Meeting in 2031.
Palau will host next year’s Forum Leaders Meeting.
