Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa says remembrance of nuclear testing in the Pacific must drive action, as the region continues to deal with its lasting impacts.
Speaking at the Marshall Islands Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day commemoration in Suva under the theme ‘Ain Jitbon Mar: Spiritual Calling from Our Islands,’ Waqa said the theme reflects deep cultural ties and the ongoing fight for justice.”
“Although this day is observed in the Marshall Islands each year on 01 March, your commitment and leadership, including from the Marshall Islands Students Association to this annual event held here at the University of the South Pacific demonstrates something powerful: remembrance is shared across our Blue Pacific, across our communities, and across generations.
“This year’s theme speaks to the deep cultural and spiritual ties we hold with our islands and oceans. It is a call to honour the voices of survivors whose courage continues to guide our region’s pursuit of truth, justice, action and peace,” Waqa said.
He reminded the gathering that the scale of nuclear testing in the region continues to affect lives.
“As you all know, more than 300 nuclear tests were conducted across the Pacific. Their impacts, on the Marshall Islands, French Polynesia, Kiribati and others, remain with us today. These are not distant historical events; they are lived realities that continue to shape families, ecosystems, and identities today.”
Waqa said the Forum is backing efforts to establish the facts, including an independent study on contamination.
“This is why the Forum is supporting efforts, such as the upcoming preliminary independent study on nuclear contamination across the Pacific, including at the Runit Dome site, to ensure that our region has credible, science-based assessments of environmental and human health risks that continue to affect our people every day.”
“This work is essential to strengthening regional advocacy, informing global discussions, and ensuring that Pacific peoples have access to the truth. It also reinforces a core principle: that those affected deserve transparency, accountability, and meaningful action,” he stressed.
He highlighted the long-standing regional commitments to a nuclear-free Pacific.
“Our Forum Leaders have long championed a nuclear-free region through the Rarotonga Treaty, reaffirmed in our Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration. This time last year, we welcomed Marshall Islands signing the Rarotonga Treaty, an important moment of profound regional significance.”
Waqa said global developments make Pacific advocacy more urgent, with the upcoming Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons review conference a key platform.
“As global nuclear tensions rise, the Pacific’s voice is more important than ever. The upcoming 11th Review Conference of the State Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, also known as the NPT, in April will be another critical opportunity to ensure that the lived realities of Pacific peoples remain central to global disarmament and justice efforts.”
Reflecting on the annual event, he acknowledged those keeping the issue alive.
“Since the beginning of my tenure as Secretary General, I have been deeply privileged to support this annual commemoration here at USP. And each year, I am moved by an ever-deepening sense of humility and reflection.”
“I want to acknowledge the Marshall Islands Students Association. Since 2019, your leadership in spearheading this annual event has ensured that this story is kept alive, bringing communities together, and elevating survivors’ voices.”
“Your work shows that remembrance is not only about history, but also about empowering the next generation to safeguard our future,” SG Waqa said.
He said the commemoration reflects regional unity and shared responsibility.
“Today’s gathering embodies the unity and shared stewardship that define our region. Through collective commitment, we honour those affected and strengthen our resolve to protect our islands and our people.”
“As we mark this solemn day, let us recommit to standing with survivors, elevating their stories, and ensuring transparency and accountability. Let us continue to build a peaceful, secure, and resilient Blue Pacific where nuclear harm has no place.”
“Alongside our Leaders, I renew my full commitment to supporting all efforts to ensure that nuclear testing never happens again in our beautiful and bountiful Pacific,” said SG Waqa.
