Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee, Peter Kenilorea Junior, has underscored the importance of the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group (PIPG) in fostering unity and cooperation across the region.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday 8 August 2025, Kenilorea moved a motion for the House to debate the Perspectives for Parliamentary Cooperation in the Pacific Islands—conclusions and recommendations endorsed by the PIPG.
He said the Pacific region, long connected by its vast ocean and shared histories, now faces challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and declining trust in democratic institutions. These issues, he noted, require a united regional response.
Kenilorea highlighted that the PIPG builds on the legacy of Pacific regionalism and the Framework for Pacific Regionalism adopted in 2014. Rooted in cultural traditions, trade ties, and social bonds, the group reflects the Tongan concept of kumi fonua—“the search for new land”—symbolising Pacific voyaging and interconnectedness.
Formed to strengthen parliamentary dialogue, transparency, and policy coherence, the PIPG works alongside partners like the UNDP Pacific to promote democratic integrity, sustainable development, and inclusive representation.
“At its core, the PIPG believes Pacific nations are stronger together,” Kenilorea said. “By institutionalising parliamentary cooperation, our collective voice resonates globally, reinforcing the vision of a resilient and thriving Blue Pacific.”
He described the PIPG as a forum for talanoa—open storytelling and dialogue—anchored in the vision of a Pacific that can withstand the climate crisis and rebuild with resilience. He stressed that success depends on political will, inclusive governance, and coordinated action.
The PIPG’s 18 members represent diverse governance systems across the region. In 2023, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Henri Puna recognised the PIPG as the “leading organisation of parliaments” in the Pacific.
