Pacific Island Forum Leaders have reaffirmed support for Smaller Island States (SIS) by endorsing their priorities on transport, fisheries, health, and climate finance, while also committing to regional digital transformation and sustainable aviation.
“In considering the evolving strategic environment, Leaders recognised the unique vulnerabilities and challenges of the SIS Members.
Leaders welcomed and endorsed the mainstreaming of the SIS Leaders priorities across all CROP agencies as follows:
i. Securing reliable and affordable air and sea transport, including upper airspace management;
ii. Advancing fisheries development and participation in regional value chains;
iii. Strengthening regional procurement and health workforce mechanisms; and
iv. Enhancing access to climate finance, with a strong call for operationalising the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index within regional agencies,” the Leaders Communique said.
Leaders also acknowledged the call from SIS members for “adequate and dedicated support on the implementation and management of SIS matters.”
On digital development, Leaders noted progress on the Lagatoi Declaration and endorsed the 2025 Communiqué for the Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue, which calls for a regional approach to undersea cables, data storage, and cloud solutions.
They also flagged the need for coordinated action to address the negative impact of social media on youth and communities.
“Leaders further endorsed the Digital Transformation Action Plan and the Governance Framework and acknowledged the leadership of Papua New Guinea in advancing the digital transformation agenda for the Pacific.”
The communique also highlighted transport issues, with Leaders recognising the outcomes of the 4th Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting and calling for “sustainable aviation connectivity” to be included as a standalone agenda item under Technology and Connectivity.
The decisions build on SIS advocacy to ensure their specific needs are mainstreamed across the Forum agenda, with transport, climate finance, and digital transformation at the centre of future regional action.
