By Pita Ligaiula in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration is a powerful commitment to protect the region
from great power rivalry and uphold peace, security, and dignity for Pacific peoples.
“The Ocean of Peace Declaration is a reclamation of our sovereignty and our shared destiny. It is a solemn vow that our seas, air and lands will never again be drawn into the vortex of great power rivalry,” Manele told the commemorative event Wednesday.
He said the declaration draws strength from history, recalling the devastation of World War II when Solomon Islands became a battleground.
“For our people, these war years were of fear, displacement, and loss. The scars are written in our history books and remain etched upon our landscape.”
Manele described the Ocean of Peace as more than symbolism, but a framework for resilience.
“The Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration is a call for the Pacific to control its destiny, to place development at the centre of our agenda for peace and free our people from want, from fear and to live in dignity.”
He said the framework calls for mobilising resources, sharing expertise, and building partnerships to address issues from unexploded ordnance to climate resilience.
“Our commitment to the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration is for the entire Pacific family to tackle climate change which remains the single greatest threat facing the Pacific, natural disasters, socio-economic issues, or emerging soft and hard threats that demand multidimensional solutions,” Manele said.
He stressed that the Declaration also contributes to global stability.
“By declaring the Pacific as nuclear free region, a region committed to a rules-based international system that is aligned to international law makes the region predictable and reliable partner for peace.”
Manele said peace is not only the work of governments but of all sectors of society.
“Contribution to peace involves everyone in society from civil society to faith-based institutions and from indigenous people to the private sector.”
He said the Ocean of Peace Declaration stands as a champion for the rights of Small Island Developing States and binds the Pacific together.
“With the umi tugeda spirit let us engage with all, trade with all and work with all. May the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration be our compass as we navigate the challenges of the present and the promise of the future,” Manele said.
