Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders have agreed to strengthen the bloc’s collective voice in regional and international decision-making while expanding Melanesian models of cooperation across the Pacific.
At their meeting on the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau, Leaders recognised Melanesia’s significant land mass, ocean space, population and economies and said its collective voice must be more consistently reflected in decisions shaping the region’s future.
Leaders reaffirmed that “MSG’s collective voice must continue to be amplified within the wider regional architecture” so that Melanesian perspectives, priorities and solutions are heard and reflected in regional decisions.
They highlighted Melanesia’s contribution to Pacific-wide approaches, including trade and institutional cooperation in areas such as justice, security and border control.
Leaders specifically endorsed institutional twinning between Melanesian agencies, departments and institutions as a practical model that could be shared across the wider Pacific.
The arrangements would allow institutions to exchange expertise, build capacity and strengthen each other, supporting a more resilient and self-reliant region.
MSG Leaders also moved to strengthen the group’s coordination in securing regional and international leadership positions.
They recalled a 2023 decision for the MSG Secretariat to develop guidelines and a standing chart for appointing MSG candidates to regional and international positions.
The Secretariat has been instructed to complete the work by the next Senior Officials Meeting in 2026.
Leaders also noted upcoming opportunities for Melanesian candidates through rotational arrangements within the Pacific Islands Forum and the United Nations system.
The Leaders further endorsed work with the Pacific Community (SPC) to develop a Melanesian Oceans Hub in line with the commitment to establish the Melanesian Oceans Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR).
The initiative is intended to strengthen cooperation around Melanesia’s ocean resources and support regional approaches to ocean management and conservation.
In another key decision, Leaders endorsed a review of the MSG 2038 Prosperity for All Plan, the group’s long-term development framework.
The Secretariat has been tasked with commencing the review by February 2027, while members will consider nominations for an Eminent Persons Group to lead the process.
The decisions form part of the MSG’s broader effort to strengthen Melanesian cooperation, promote regional leadership and ensure that Melanesian priorities have greater influence across the wider Pacific and international system.
