Pacific Islands Forum’s Annual Meeting Begins

August 29, 2024

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) began its meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on August 26, 2024, with over 1,500 delegates from around 40 countries. This year, the main topics are climate change and the growing competition between China and the US.

What is the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)?

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) was started in 1971. It is a group of 18 Pacific countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Tonga. The main goals of the Forum are to help these countries grow their economies, improve their political systems, ensure security in the region, and work together on common issues.

How Do the Annual Meetings Work?

Each year, the PIF holds a meeting where member countries discuss important issues. The decisions made during these meetings are agreed upon by all the members and are carried out by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

Focus on Climate Change

This year, climate change is a key topic because many PIF members are facing serious problems like rising sea levels. A recent report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) showed worrying trends, stressing the need for more money to fight climate change. Currently, the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) is $380 million short of its $500 million goal.

Tensions Between China and the US

Another big topic is the competition between China and the US in the Pacific region. China’s growing influence, especially through security agreements with countries like the Solomon Islands, is causing concern for Australia and the US. This year, China has sent its largest-ever group to the PIF, while the US is represented by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell. The PIF 2023 meeting is focusing on critical global issues affecting its member countries. The discussions emphasize the urgent need for climate action and a careful approach to managing the power struggle between China and the US in the Pacific region.

Facts About Pacific Islands Forum

The Pacific Islands Forum was created in 1971.
The Forum includes 18 countries from the Pacific region.
The main office of the Forum is located in Suva, the capital of Fiji.
The Forum’s main goal is to help its member countries work together and promote sustainable development.
Every year, the Forum hosts a meeting where the leaders of the member countries come together to discuss important issues.
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat was set up to help with governance and development projects in the region.
The Forum created an important agreement called the “Buin Declaration” to address climate change.
Micronesia, one of the member countries, has often expressed concerns about its representation in the Forum.
The Forum has a strong partnership with the European Union, which provides aid for development projects.
The Forum also works with other countries like the USA and China, even though they are not members, to discuss regional issues.

« Previous Post Next Post »