Honiara: The 54th Pacific Islands Forum continued its momentum with the third Leaders Dialogue on Wednesday, this time bringing together political leaders and representatives from civil society organisations (CSOs) across the Blue Pacific region.
Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele formally welcomed civil society delegates to Honiara, noting their crucial contributions to regional development, governance, and community resilience.
“Welcome to this third Leaders Dialogue with our friends from civil society,” Manele began. “On behalf of my colleague Leaders, I extend our warmest welcome to all of you who have travelled from across the region to be part of this important engagement.”
Recognising the Role of Civil Society
In his remarks, the Forum Chair highlighted the vital dual role that civil society organisations play in the Pacific: as both partners in the implementation of regional priorities and as accountability mechanisms that strengthen transparency and good governance.
“Civil society plays an integral role in ensuring our regional commitments are translated into tangible actions and impacts at the community level,” said Manele. “You are also watchdogs, holding political leadership accountable.”
He underscored that CSOs are not just stakeholders but co-architects of the Pacific’s shared future.
“Your voices amplify those often unheard and bring practical, innovative solutions to the table — solutions that governments alone cannot achieve.”
A Space for Open Dialogue
Tuesday afternoon’s session provided a platform for meaningful exchange between civil society leaders and Forum member states. Prime Minister Manele stressed the importance of respectful dialogue, acknowledging that differences in opinion are part of a healthy democratic process.
“We may not always agree, but we must always be respectful of each other’s views,” he stated. “The true measure of our progress is not only in decisions made by governments, but in the lived realities of our people.”
The dialogue is expected to help inform upcoming decisions during the Leaders Plenary and Retreat sessions, offering grounded insights from the community level on issues ranging from climate change and development to human rights and social equity.
Shaping the Region’s Future Together
Looking ahead, Manele called on all parties to approach the dialogue with openness, courage, and unity, in keeping with the Pacific’s unique spirit of collective leadership.
“The Pacific’s future is not something to be decided in isolation. It is ours to shape, together, with courage, wisdom, and unity,” he said. “Let us engage with the spirit of solidarity that defines our Blue Pacific Continent.”
The session marks a continued commitment by Forum Leaders to include diverse voices in shaping regional priorities — an approach that civil society representatives have long advocated for.
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star, Honiara
