The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) has reached a major milestone with the convening of its inaugural Council meeting last week, with Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa saying the Pacific-owned mechanism must deliver practical support and tangible results for communities across the region.
Speaking at the First Pacific Resilience Facility Council Meeting in Majuro, Waqa said the meeting marked the realisation of a clear mandate from Forum Leaders to establish a Pacific-owned mechanism that strengthens resilience.
“Today marks an important milestone for our region. The convening of this first Pacific Resilience Facility Council meeting, which represents the realisation of a clear mandate from our Forum Leaders to establish a Pacific-owned mechanism, that strengthens resilience and delivers practical support to Pacific communities,” he said.
Waqa congratulated the Republic of the Marshall Islands for hosting both the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting and the inaugural PRF Council meeting.
“Let me begin by warmly acknowledging and congratulating the Republic of the Marshall Islands for its outstanding stewardship in hosting the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting and this inaugural PRF Council meeting, and for demonstrating steadfast leadership in advancing our regional resilience agenda,” he said.
He said Forum Economic Ministers had recognised the challenges facing the region and the need for a united response.
“Over the past two days, Forum Economic Ministers have set a strong platform for our work. They have been clear in their assessment that our region is facing a more complex and uncertain global environment, driven by geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, and climate risks – and that our response must be grounded in unity, cooperation, and foresight,” said Waqa.
SG Waqa said these priorities align with the ambitions of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
“These priorities speak directly to the ambitions of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, particularly the call for stronger regionalism, economic resilience, and solutions that deliver tangible outcomes for our people,” he said.
Waqa said the PRF, which is now legally in force, marks a change in the region’s approach to resilience.
“The PRF is central to that vision. Now legally in force, the PRF represents a shift in how we respond to vulnerability, from reactive approaches, to proactive, Pacific-led investment in resilience at the community level,” he said.
The Secretary General said the Council would establish its foundational elements, including governance and financial frameworks, while also considering transitional arrangements and the nomination of the Board.
“Today, we will establish the foundational elements of this Council—confirming membership, adopting procedures, and progressing key governance and financial frameworks. We will also address transitional arrangements to ensure continuity as the PRF moves into full operation, and to consider the nomination of the Board to guide its next phase,” Waqa stressed.
He urged Council members to focus on implementation and measurable outcomes.
“As you deliberate today, I challenge you to think beyond policy design, and to look to implementation and results.”
“The PRF must rise to that challenge, to demonstrate early, practical impact, and to ensure that regional commitments translate into real improvements in the lives of our people, consistent with the people-centred vision of the 2050 Strategy,” he emphasised.
Waqa also called for practical decision-making and collective ownership as the facility begins operations.
“As we proceed today, I encourage you to focus on practical decisions and collective ownership, to ensure that the PRF is fit-for-purpose from the outset.”
“This meeting is foundational. The decisions we take today will shape the credibility and impact of the PRF in the years ahead.”
“With that in mind, let us move forward with unity and purpose, in service of a more resilient and secure Blue Pacific,” Forum SG said.
