Regional leaders gathered at the 9th Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development in Suva to underline the critical importance of improving water and energy security as part of a wider push towards sustainable development. This forum provided an essential platform for discussions focused on innovation, resilient infrastructure, and cultural sustainability, while also emphasizing the need for partnerships aimed at youth empowerment and development financing.
The event brought together representatives from Pacific governments, regional organizations, the private sector, civil society, youth, and development partners who collectively sought to accelerate progress in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It was co-hosted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, along with the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC).
During the forum, participants engaged in peer-learning sessions that highlighted Voluntary Local Reviews and Financing for Development, demonstrating a commitment to exchanging best practices and innovative strategies among Pacific nations. The theme of the event, “Transformative, equitable, innovative, and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” underscored the desire for a sustainable future for all.
Secretary General Baron Waqa stressed the importance of regional solidarity and coordinated efforts to achieve sustainable outcomes that mirror the aspirations laid out in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific. He affirmed, “Our region continues to navigate complex global landscapes, but we are steadfast in our commitment to collaborate on climate action, economic resilience, and the well-being of our people.”
Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, echoed the significance of cooperation and partnerships in reaching international development goals. Her remarks align with ongoing dialogues in regional forums that emphasize the urgent need for unified action, particularly in addressing global challenges such as climate change and economic inequality.
The forum is set to pave the way for future discussions, including the 13th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development and the 2026 High-Level Political Forum in New York, ensuring that Pacific priorities are represented in global sustainability conversations. The outcomes of this gathering reflect a growing optimism in the region—a shared belief that, through collaboration and focused initiatives, the Pacific Islands can tackle the multifaceted challenges confronted today and create a resilient, sustainable future for all.