Defence Ministers from across the South Pacific convened at the 10th South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) in Chile, underscoring their commitment to enhancing regional security and cooperation. Delegates from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga participated, alongside observers from Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The presence of Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa highlighted the meeting’s importance.
First held in 2013, the SPDMM serves as a vital platform for discussing collective security challenges in the Pacific. This year’s discussions emphasized shared concerns, including climate-related disasters, humanitarian assistance, and the fight against transnational crime.
Ministers recognized the pressing need for operational collaboration among their armed forces and stressed the importance of enhancing interoperability to effectively address emerging threats. A significant focus was the Pacific Response Group (PRG), designed to bolster regional disaster response capabilities. After reviewing the group’s initial year, members endorsed its second phase, with New Zealand set to take command of the PRG headquarters in July 2026.
Maritime security emerged as a critical topic, with Chile presenting insights into transnational organized crime, particularly illegal drug trafficking routes from South America to the Pacific. Ministers committed to ensuring comprehensive maritime security and supported Fiji’s proposal to expand the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre as a regional asset.
They also welcomed France’s endorsement of the SPDMM Information Sharing Framework, which aims to enhance interoperability among member nations and regional partners. Additionally, the meeting introduced two new initiatives: the SPDMM Academic Cooperation Network, which will link climate change research to regional security, and the SPDMM Regional Training Framework, establishing an online platform for coordinated defence training throughout the Pacific.
Furthermore, there was a strong emphasis on the role of women in defense discussions, reaffirming commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. With the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution emphasizing this agenda approaching, the ministers highlighted the need to elevate women’s involvement in regional defence efforts. The meeting concluded with appreciation expressed to Chile for hosting the gathering and a decision for Fiji to host the next SPDMM in 2026.
This collaborative initiative marks a significant step towards a more resilient and unified approach to security in the Pacific, fostering hope as nations join forces to tackle mutual challenges.