The Solomon Islands has expressed its honor in assuming the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), reinforcing its commitment to supporting regional unity and promoting Pacific-led approaches to common issues. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, during a recent session in Parliament, emphasized that this role highlights the nation’s dedication to tackling critical regional challenges, particularly in areas such as climate change, security, and sustainable development.
Manele stated, “As Chair, we will continue to advance Pacific priorities guided by the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, ensuring that the voices of Pacific peoples remain strong, principled, and united on the global stage.” The Prime Minister assured that the Solomon Islands would lead the ongoing evaluation of the Forum’s Regional Architecture in close partnership with the Troika, which consists of the past, present, and incoming chairs, as they prepare for the upcoming Forum meeting set to take place in Palau next year.
He further underscored the expanding leadership role that the Solomon Islands is playing on the global arena, noting that the nation has undertaken several significant leadership positions this year and is poised to take on even more responsibilities as it approaches 2026. These roles include:
– Chair of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Council of Ministers
– Chair of PACER Plus
– Chair of the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting
– Chair of the g7+ group of fragile states
– Member of the UNDP, UNOPS, and UNFPA Executive Boards for the term spanning 2025 to 2027
Manele reiterated that these leadership positions underscore the growing trust in Solomon Islands’ diplomatic engagements and showcase its contributions to both regional and global collaboration. As the Solomon Islands navigates its chairmanship and broadens its influence in international affairs, there is a hopeful anticipation for impactful strategies that could benefit the Pacific region as a whole.