The 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) wrapped up in Honiara, Solomon Islands, bringing together heads of government from across the Blue Pacific to tackle climate threats, regional security, and economic resilience. Over five days of dialogue and a leaders’ retreat in Noro, the Forum adopted an ambitious package of decisions that chart the region’s collective future.

Strengthening Regional Governance

Leaders reaffirmed the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent as the region’s master plan and endorsed its first Regional Collective Actions report. They approved a new Partnership Mechanism to manage relationships with Dialogue and Observer partners and launched the Pacific-Centred Leadership Initiative to embed Pacific cultural values in leadership.

Political & Security Highlights

• West Papua: Leaders upheld Indonesia’s sovereignty, recalled the 2018 UN human-rights invitation, and tasked the PIF Secretariat to coordinate a Forum Envoys’ visit in 2026.
• New Caledonia: Support continued for inclusive dialogue on the Bougival Accord.
• Nuclear Issues: The Forum commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Rarotonga Treaty, urged all nations to sign and ratify it, and recommitted to a nuclear-free Pacific.
• Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace: A landmark declaration calls for Pacific-led peacebuilding and stronger action against transnational crime, synthetic drugs, and the clearance of unexploded ordnance.

Climate & Environment

Recognizing climate change as the region’s greatest threat, leaders:

• Backed Australia’s bid to host COP31 in 2026 as a Pacific COP.
• Welcomed the ICJ Advisory Opinion on climate change, encouraging all nations to raise their emissions-reduction targets.
• Reaffirmed protection of maritime zones against sea-level rise and urged ratification of the BBNJ (high-seas biodiversity) and a strong global plastics treaty.
• Endorsed a regional approach to Deep-Sea Minerals development.

Economic & Resource Development

• Endorsed the Pacific Resilience Facility, noting US $165 million pledged so far.
• Adopted Pacific Regional Labour Mobility Principles and discussed freer movement of people.
• Supported Fiji’s bid to host a Green Climate Fund regional office.
• Advanced regional fisheries projects (East New Britain Initiative, Bina Harbour, Pacific Islands Tuna) and set sights on a 2026 Regional Kava Declaration.

People-Centred Development

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and Early Childhood Development are now standing agenda items. Leaders called for stronger regional education standards, higher literacy rates, and coordinated health strategies across the Pacific.

Technology & Connectivity

The Forum endorsed a Digital Transformation Action Plan and ICT Ministers’ communiqué, highlighting the need for resilient undersea-cable networks, regional cloud solutions, and measures to curb negative impacts of social media.

Looking Ahead

New Zealand will host the 56th PIF in 2027, while French Polynesia will host the 60th PIF in 2031, ensuring the momentum for a united, resilient Blue Pacific continues.