Forum Foreign Ministers have backed the Marshall Islands’ bid to host the 2029 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, which would coincide with the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
The support was among the outcomes of the 2026 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, where Ministers also reaffirmed the importance of regional unity and collective action in addressing challenges facing the Pacific.
Forum Foreign Ministers supported the expression of interest by the Government of the Marshall Islands to host the 2029 Leaders Meeting.
New Zealand will host the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in 2027, marking the first time in 14 years that Aotearoa will host the regional gathering.
Ministers also welcomed an update from the Government of Palau on arrangements for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and Related Meetings, which will be held later this year.
Forum Foreign Ministers reaffirmed that regionalism remains the Forum’s greatest advantage, with Members collectively setting priorities and advancing shared interests.
Ministers stressed the need to balance national perspectives with collective regional action.
They welcomed progress on implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Review of the Regional Architecture, while stressing the need to turn reforms into sustainable results that improve delivery for Forum Members.
Ministers also welcomed the response by Forum Leaders to emerging regional and global challenges, including the Leaders Statement on the Appeal for Global Peace, grounded in the Ocean of Peace Declaration.
They also highlighted the triggering of the Biketawa Declaration and the subsequent establishment of the Regional Response Mechanism as evidence of the regional system’s ability to respond quickly to transboundary challenges.
Ministers reaffirmed the importance of coherent and effective regional advocacy to advance shared Pacific interests and priorities.
They also considered progress on operationalising the Leaders Policy on Partnerships and commended work undertaken so far.
Ministers reaffirmed that the evidence-based process would inform the final decision by Forum Leaders on partnerships.
The final decision remains a political decision for Leaders and is expected to be taken in Palau at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and Related Meetings.
Ministers also reaffirmed their appreciation for partners of the Forum Family that have engaged in the partnerships process.
