Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General’s message to the 81st Session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has underscored the importance of global and regional partners aligning with Pacific-led priorities as the region faces mounting challenges. Key Challenges
• Climate change and its impacts on Pacific communities
• Transnational crime and its effects on regional security
• Shifting aid dynamics and the need for new partnerships
• Global trade tensions and their impact on regional economies
Pacific-led Priorities
• Rebuilding economies following the COVID-19 pandemic
• Tackling the climate crisis and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Enhancing regional cooperation and collaboration
• Promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development
Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF)
• A Pacific-designed disaster preparedness fund
• Provides timely and predictable funding for community-led climate adaptation and disaster preparedness projects
• A regional solution for climate adaptation
Progress on Climate Mobility
• Joint initiative led by Fiji and Tuvalu
• Addresses climate-induced migration and relocation
• A critical step in promoting sustainable development and regional resilience
Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility
• A key priority for the Pacific Islands Forum
• Aims to reduce the impacts of climate change on Pacific communities
• Enhances regional cooperation and collaboration on climate mobility
Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED)
• Recently endorsed by Forum Economic Ministers
• A critical role in advancing a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Blue Pacific economy
• A key priority for the Pacific Islands Forum
Alignment with Global Priorities
• The need for renewed global momentum on the 2030 Agenda
• The importance of aligning development instruments and approaches with Pacific-led priorities
• The need for effective partnerships and regional cooperation
Looking Ahead
• The Pacific Islands Forum will consider an “Ocean of Peace” declaration in September
• The need for aligned and effective partnerships to achieve the 2050 vision
• The importance of regional cooperation and collaboration in achieving sustainable development outcomes
Pacific Islands Forum’s Commitment
The Pacific Islands Forum is committed to its long-term vision for the region, as articulated by its leaders in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. This vision aims to create a resilient Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity for all Pacific peoples. UNESCAP’s Support
The Pacific Islands Forum has welcomed the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (UNESCAP) support in establishing the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF). The PRF is a Pacific-designed disaster preparedness fund that provides timely and predictable funding for community-led climate adaptation and disaster preparedness projects across the region. Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility
The Pacific Islands Forum has also praised the progress made on the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility, a joint initiative led by Fiji and Tuvalu. This framework addresses climate-induced migration and relocation and is a critical step in promoting sustainable development and regional resilience. Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED)
The Pacific Islands Forum has also endorsed the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED), which aims to advance a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Blue Pacific economy. PRED is a key priority for the Pacific Islands Forum and is being implemented in partnership with development partners. Conclusion
The Pacific Islands Forum is urging global and regional partners to align more closely with Pacific-led priorities as the region faces mounting challenges. The Forum is committed to its long-term vision for the region and is working to strengthen its regional architecture, deliver impact through regional collective actions, and deepen Pacific regionalism. The Pacific Islands Forum is also seeking development partners to align their support with the implementation of the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED), a critical step in advancing a sustainable and inclusive economy. With the 2030 Agenda deadline looming, the Pacific Islands Forum is calling for renewed global momentum to achieve its development priorities.