Forum Foreign Ministers are calling for stronger regional unity and deeper integration as global competition intensifies and Pacific countries face growing economic and development pressures.
Ministers said the Pacific must rely on its own collective strength to navigate an increasingly contested international environment, reaffirming the importance of the Pacific Way and Leaders’ vision under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The Ministers made the call at the 2026 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting last week in Suva, after reflecting on the evolving international environment and increasing competition and contestation globally.
They reaffirmed the value of regional solidarity, unity and recognition of the Pacific’s cultural diversity at a time of rapid change.
Ministers recalled the Forum Chair’s reflections in July 2026, who highlighted “that success in the region lies not in the hands of others but our own.”
They emphasised the importance of the Pacific Way and said Forum Leaders must continue trusting and listening to one another to strengthen regional unity.
Ministers committed to continuing efforts towards deeper regional integration, saying it is essential for managing economic volatility and complex development finance challenges.
They acknowledged that developments during the year had again exposed the Pacific’s vulnerabilities but also demonstrated the resilience of the region.
Ministers stressed the need for stronger coordination between sub-regional, regional and international initiatives as Pacific countries confront an increasingly complex range of challenges.
They also raised concern over declining levels of Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Ministers called for the Pacific to build on recent multilateral achievements, including operationalisation of the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), to strengthen access to finance.
They also called for reform of the global financial architecture to better address the needs and vulnerabilities of Pacific island countries.
Forum Foreign Ministers reaffirmed that the Forum’s greatest strength is regionalism, allowing Members to collectively determine priorities and advance shared interests.
They stressed the need to balance national perspectives with genuine collective action when responding to regional challenges.
Ministers welcomed progress on implementation of the 2050 Strategy and the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA), while emphasising that reforms must translate into sustainable results and stronger delivery for Members.
They also welcomed the proactive response by Forum Leaders to emerging transboundary challenges.
This included the Leaders Statement on the Appeal for Global Peace, grounded in the Ocean of Peace Declaration, the triggering of the Biketawa Declaration and the establishment of the Regional Response Mechanism.
Ministers said these actions demonstrated the agility and flexibility of the regional system in responding to transboundary challenges.
Ministers reaffirmed the importance of coherent and effective regional advocacy to advance shared interests and priorities.
They reviewed progress on operationalising the Leaders Policy on Partnerships and commended the work undertaken so far.
Ministers said the evidence-based process would inform the final decision by Forum Leaders, while reaffirming that the decision is ultimately political.
They also expressed appreciation to partners of the Forum Family that have participated in the process.
A final decision on the partnerships process will be made by Forum Leaders at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and Related Meetings in Palau.
