The 9th Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (PFSD) met at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in Suva, Fiji on 29 and 30 October.
Co-hosted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and PIFS in partnership with the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC), the Forum brought together Pacific governments, regional organisations, the private sector, civil society, youth, and development partners to accelerate collective efforts toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Held under the theme of “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all”, the PRSD provided an important platform to ensure that the Pacific priorities and perspectives inform regional and global sustainable development discussions, including the forthcoming 13th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) and the 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York.
The PFSD assessed regional progress and shared recommendations across key Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water and sanitation, renewable energy, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and effective partnerships.
In his opening remarks, Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa emphasised the importance of regional solidarity and coordinated action with the Pacific Islands Forum’s partners, to deliver sustainable results in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific.
“Our region continues to navigate complex global landscapes that shape how we engage with partners, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to collaboration that advances climate action, trade and economic resilience, and the wellbeing of our people. The 2030 Agenda reflects our shared aspirations, and urgent and coordinated action is required to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves,” said Secretary General Waqa.
The Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Ms Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana emphasised that “progress towards the attainment of the Goals in the Pacific remain uneven, and requires accelerated investment, increased funding, and bold action to address the subregion’s unique challenges. Attainment of internationally agreed development goals is possible only through cooperation, and partnerships.”
Henry Cocker, Finance and Planning Manager – Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company said in his opening remarks, “The Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) is honoured to be part of the PFSD as a key partner. We view this collaboration as an important opportunity to support member countries in strengthening financial resilience, enhancing risk preparedness, and advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals across the Pacific.”
Discussions throughout the Forum focused on strengthening water and energy security, enhancing innovation and resilient infrastructure, fostering sustainable and culturally grounded communities, and mobilising partnerships for youth empowerment and development financing. Peer-learning sessions on Voluntary Local Reviews and Financing for Development were also held during the Forum
ESCAP also launched its Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2025, which examines the macroeconomic and climate change nexus in Asia and the Pacific.
The PFSD reaffirmed its important role in supporting the Pacific’s regional platforms for policy dialogue, partnership, and collective action to advance a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive Blue Pacific future.
