Pacific Islands Forum

#COP31 The President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., was joined by Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark at the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion for the side event, “Pacific Voices, Pacific Priorities: Investing in a Renewables Future.” The event also brought together Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, Hon. Samira Nawa, as a panellist, providing an opportunity to and strengthen dialogue on investment in a renewable energy future for the region. “As many in this room are aware, Palau made investment in a climate-safe future for the Blue Pacific a signature theme from our hosting of the 55th Forum Leaders’ Meeting in early September. In doing so, Pacific Leaders joined hands in confirming a shared vision to achieve a 100% renewable energy future for the Blue Pacific, an ambitious aim to be the first region in the world to do so,” - H.E President Whipps. Endorsed by Forum Leaders at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, the Belau Declaration for Urgent and Inclusive Climate Action to Keep 1.5°C Within Reach reinforces the Pacific’s call for transition away from fossil fuels towards 100% renewable energy, highlighting the region’s commitment to ambitious climate action and a sustainable energy future. Read the BELAU declaration here: forumsec.org/publications/le… #OneBluePacific #Regionalism #JustTransition

That's a wrap on the #WTO #AidforTrade #GlobalReview of 2026! A great two days in #Geneva, and particularly pleased to see such strong Pacific participation. From trade #resilience and #climate action to #fisheries, #regionalism and opportunities for small businesses, Pacific representatives contributed to a wide range of discussions. It was also great to see Pacific #businesses sharing their experiences, including #OTahitiPearlsSamoa and #NiueHoney. Many thanks to all our Pacific speakers, colleagues and partners who contributed to the discussions and helped bring our region's perspectives to the table. #AidForTrade #PacificIslands #WTO #TradeForDevelopment

Under our Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative (PQII), more than 55 stakeholders from across Pacific Island countries joined virtually on 10 November 2026 for the workshop, “Shaping Pacific Standards: Engaging Industry in the Pacific,” facilitated with the support of @standardsaus . The workshop explored how Quality Infrastructure can facilitate trade, improve product quality, and strengthen market access and competitiveness across the Pacific. Discussions highlighted the role of the Pacific Islands Standards Committee (PISC) in advancing regional standards development and harmonisation, while emphasising the importance of greater industry and private-sector involvement in the standards development process. The workshop also highlighted the need to promote greater awareness, understanding and application of standards by businesses, enabling them to improve product quality, enhance competitiveness and access new market opportunities. These efforts contribute to the Pacific Aid-for-Trade Strategy 2026–2030 (PAfTS) and the vision of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. #pacificqualityinfrastructure #standardsaustralia #QualityInfrastructure #pacifictrade #PrivateSectorDevelopment #OneBluePacific #AidforTrade #RegionalCooperation

#COP31 The Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion, our home away from home at COP 31 in Antalya, Türkiye, was officially opened this week. At the United Nations Climate Change Conferences, the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion brings together our Pacific Leaders, negotiators, civil society, regional organisations and young people under one roof. It is a space for the Blue Pacific family to unite, amplify Pacific-led solutions, share the lived realities and resilience of our communities, and hold the global community accountable for delivering meaningful climate action. The Pacific has long been at the forefront of global climate advocacy, shaping the conversation and championing the call for urgent action to keep 1.5°C within reach. As we gather at COP31, we carry that same spirit of solidarity, leadership and collective purpose ensuring the Pacific voice remains strong, united and heard. #OneBluePacific #Regionalism #ClimateAction

Pacific Islands Forum Acting Secretary General Esala Nayasi met with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Director for Asia Pacific, Mr Mark Gooding, at the Forum Secretariat today. Their discussions reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the Forum and the United Kingdom and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas of shared priority, including climate resilience and finance, economic resilience, the Pacific Resilience Facility, and regional and maritime security. Acting Secretary General Nayasi welcomed the UK’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership and working alongside Forum Members to advance Pacific priorities, both within the region and internationally. Mr Gooding was accompanied by the UK Acting High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Steph Lysaght. #OneBluePacific #PIF #pacificresiliencefacility #ukinfiji

#COP31 Media Release: Pacific Urges the World to Turn Climate Commitments into Action Antalya, Türkiye: The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is reaffirming its longstanding climate leadership at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), held from 9–20 November 2026. The Forum is calling for greater global ambition and a decisive shift from commitments to action, supported by the resources, implementation, and accountability needed to deliver results. The President of Palau and Pacific Islands Forum Chair, His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps Jr., says that the Pacific arrives in Antalya with a clear mandate from Forum Leaders, set out in the Belau Declaration, and with Pacific-led solutions ready to scale. Read full media release here: forumsec.org/publications/re… #OneBluePacific #Regionalism #COP31

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Legal Counsel Holly Matley participated in the Asia-Pacific launch of the Global Recommendations on Nationality and Statelessness in the Context of Climate Change, developed by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness. She welcomed the Recommendations’ recognition of growing international support for the continuity of statehood and the attention given to climate mobility. In her remarks, she highlighted global Pacific leadership in addressing the legal implications of climate change-related sea-level rise. She emphasised that statelessness is not an inevitable consequence of climate change, and that continuity of statehood, retention of nationality and protection of persons are critical to safeguarding the identity, rights and dignity of Pacific peoples. #OneBluePacific #ClimateMobility #continuityofstatehood #ClimateJustice

20 Days to Go | Pacific E-commerce Symposium 2026 E-commerce is enabled by businesses. From B2B and B2C transactions, businesses drive innovation, trade, and economic activity across the region. This is why the Symposium will host a Business Exhibition to showcase the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Pacific businesses. It is an opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs and discover innovative products and digital solutions that are shaping e-commerce across the Blue Pacific. The Exhibition also contributes to the Resources and Economic Development (RED) agenda of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent by promoting entrepreneurship, digital trade and private sector-led economic growth across the region. #pacificecommercesymposium2026 #2050bluepacificstrategy #PacificEcommerceInitiative #partnership #AidforTrade #pacifictrade #ecommerce

The President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps Jr., and the Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, as part of the Pacific Islands Forum Chair’s high-level mission to the Gulf. The discussions focused on key Pacific priorities and opportunities to strengthen cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, and climate action. The Pacific Leaders highlighted the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) as the region’s flagship, Pacific-owned financing mechanism to strengthen community resilience and protect communities from the impacts of climate change. H.E Whipps and Lord Fakafanua will now travel to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, where they will continue to champion Pacific priorities including the PRF and advocate for stronger global climate action and meaningful outcomes for the region. #OneBluePacific #Regionalism #PRF

#COP31 Alii, Mauri, Mālō e lelei, Talofa, Halo Olgeta and Bula from Antalya! Day One of the 31st annual United Nations (UN) climate change meeting (COP31) begins today in Antalya, Türkiye, and the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion opened in the true spirit of the Pacific Way with prayers, reflection and a shared sense of purpose. The service was led by Rev. Charissa Suli, President of the United Church in Australia, bringing together the Pacific family in faith, solidarity and hope as we begin this important global climate gathering. As the Pacific comes together at #COP31, our collective strength lies in our shared values, unity and unwavering commitment to our people and future generations. The Blue Pacific has long stood at the forefront of climate leadership, and we continue to carry our priorities with purpose, conviction and one united voice grounded in our lived realities and driven by the future we seek for our region. #OneBluePacific #Regionalism #COP31 #climateaction #PacificLeadership

#COP31 The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) takes place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9–20 November 2026. As the Pacific and the global community come together for this critical climate conference, we share a message from our Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, on the region’s priorities and call for meaningful global climate action. “At COP 31 our Leaders, civil society representatives, and young people, will carry the lived realities, aspirations, and priorities of our Blue Pacific, to the global decision-making table. Listen to our people. Honour our collective commitments. Deliver the action that a safer, more resilient future demands” - SG Waqa. #OneBluePacific #Regionalism #COP31 #ClimateAction

The President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., was received by the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on 5 November as part of the PIF Chair’s high-level mission to the UAE. The PIF Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, and the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), Finau Soqo, accompanied President Whipps during the meeting. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation, advancing key Pacific regional priorities ahead of COP31, and opportunities to deepen collaboration on climate finance, including support for the PRF. #OneBluePacific #Regionalism #COP31 #PRF Read more: forumsec.org/publications/re…

The Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBR) Project convened its third Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting in a hybrid format on 5 November 2026, bringing together more than 35 participants, including senior finance officials from participating Pacific Island countries, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), and the World Bank Group. The PSC, comprising Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers of Ministries of Finance from the eight participating Pacific Island countries, provides strategic oversight and guidance to the Project. The meeting was chaired by Mrs Koin Uriam Kiritione, Secretary for Finance and Economic Development of Kiribati, who underscored the importance of correspondent banking as “fundamental to our economic security.” The Committee unanimously endorsed the Project's 2027 Annual Work Plan, Budget and Procurement Plan, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional financial resilience and advancing project implementation. ---------------------------------------------------------- About the CBR Project: The Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships Project is a World Bank-financed regional initiative implemented by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat across eight participating Pacific Island countries: Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The Project aims to safeguard access to correspondent banking services, strengthen the regulatory and institutional environment, and support sustainable solutions to ensure Pacific economies remain connected to the global financial system.

The President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., met with Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable development. Discussions highlighted the UAE’s investment capacity and expertise in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and water security as areas of strong potential for practical cooperation with the Pacific. Ahead of COP31, discussions also highlighted the Pacific’s priority to advance the capitalisation of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) the first Pacific-led and Pacific-owned regional financing facility dedicated to strengthening the resilience of Pacific communities. #OneBluePacific #Regionalism #PacificResilienceFacility

Media Release: Pacific Islands Forum Chair Leads Mission To Strengthen Forum-UAE Cooperation. 5 November 2026 Abu Dhabi, UAE: A high-level Pacific Islands Forum mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking place this week to advance cooperation on climate resilience, investment and sustainable development. His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, accompanied by Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, is leading the delegation. UAE Minister of State, H.E. Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, received His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., on 4 November in Abu Dhabi, marking the start of the Mission. Read the full media release here: forumsec.org/publications/re… #OneBluePacific #Regionalism

The second online training session of the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF) Pacific Edition, Inspiring Voices from the Pacific: What Young People Can Do, was held on 29 October 2026, co-hosted by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD). Moderated by PIFS, the session focused on the voices, leadership and agency of young people in the Pacific, and how they are engaging with nuclear disarmament today. Participants discussed practical actions young people can take in their own communities. The YLF Pacific Edition is part of the activities commemorating the 40th anniversary of the entry into force of the Rarotonga Treaty this year. #OneBluePacific #PIF #YLFPacific #NuclearFreePacific #RarotongaTreaty

WORK WITH US! The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) is seeking a qualified and experienced Project Country Coordinator – Samoa to support the implementation of the World Bank-funded Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships Project. The Coordinator will work closely with Samoa’s Ministry of Finance, the Project Management Unit in Suva, and key stakeholders to coordinate and deliver project activities in Samoa. 📌 Contract: Part-time consultancy, initially for two years, with potential extensions until 2030. 📍 Location: Samoa Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in Samoa. For more information: bit.ly/4ik4QXm

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) presented on the implementation of the Rarotonga Treaty at the Pacific Regional Dialogue on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), From Testing Grounds to Healing Grounds: Advancing an Ocean of Peace , held in Fiji from 28 to 30 October 2026. The dialogue was convened by the Fiji Nuclear Test Veterans and Families Association (FNVFA) with ICAN. The presentation covered regional mechanisms and the role of PIFS and the CROP Taskforce on Nuclear Legacy Issues in the Pacific. This year marks 40 years since the entry into force of the Rarotonga Treaty. The 2nd Meeting of States Parties and a commemoration of the anniversary will be held in December 2026. #OneBluePacific #PIF #NuclearLegacy #rarotongatreaty #TPNW #OceanOfPeace

🎉 Mālō e lelei 🎉 Happy Constitution Day to the people of the Kingdom of Tonga! Today, we celebrate the rich culture, enduring traditions and strong sense of community that define the Kingdom of Tonga. Guided by the four golden pillars 'Fa Kavei Koula': Faka'apa'apa (Respect), Lototo (Humility), Tauhi Va (Nurturing Relationships) and Mamahi'i Me'a (loyalty and commitment). Tonga reminds us that its greatest wealth lies in its people and the bonds that unite them.

Trade and Environment Officials from across the Pacific gathered in Suva from 29–30 October 2026 for a landmark workshop jointly organised by Pacific Islands Forum and Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme - SPREP. The workshop marked an important step towards developing a shared Pacific agenda on sustainable trade, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and emerging trade challenges. #OneBluePacific #Belau