Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele, speaking as the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLMS) at the Pacific ACP meeting on Monday urged regional unity and global recognition of Pacific priorities.
In a speech that underscored climate justice, equitable financing, and strengthened representation on the world stage, Prime Minister Manele further highlighted recent achievement including the signing of the Samoa Agreement in 2023 and the advancement of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF).
PRF is the region’s first locally owned climate and disaster financing mechanism.
“These are legacies of our forum leaders’ collective mission,” Manele said, calling the PRF a “vital custodians” for communities on the frontline of climate change.
Prime Minister Manele emphasized the need for stronger Pacific influence in international decision-making, particularly in the climate diplomacy ahead of the COP-30 and the region’s bid to co-host the COP-31 with Australia.
He called for a “new cohort of champions” to amplify the Pacific’s call for climate justice.
“Financing is not just about numbers. It is about equity, justice and fairness,” Manele said, stressing that Pacific Nation must be seen as responsible and reliable partners, not merely vulnerable recipients.
His speech also touched on the region’s engagement with the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union, urging Pacific Leaders to “speak with one voice,” in implementing the Samoa Agreement and 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
PM Manele concluded with a call for solidarity, clarity, and urgency in advancing sustainable development and security for the Pacific people.
The Pacific Islands comprising 18 member states, continues to position itself as a unified bloc advocating for climate resilience, regional cooperation, and equitable global partnership.
By ANDRIANAH DELASALET KOLE
Solomon Star, Honiara
