The 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting took place from August 26 to August 30, 2024, in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.[i] This year’s gathering holds particular significance against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical rivalries in the Pacific region. The theme of the 2024 meeting, “Navigating the Future Together,” reflects the collective urgency to address the multifaceted challenges facing the Pacific islands, including climate change, security concerns, and sustainable development.[ii]

 

What is the Pacific Islands Forum?

The Pacific Islands Forum, established in 1971, is a regional organization that comprises 18 member countries and territories across the Pacific Ocean.[iii] Its primary objective is to enhance regional cooperation and integration, fostering peace, stability, and prosperity among Pacific nations. The Forum’s membership includes prominent island nations such as Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, as well as smaller states and territories including Tuvalu and Nauru.[iv] The Forum also extends invitations to various observer states, including global powers like the United States and China, to participate in discussions and contribute to its initiatives.[v]

Focus Points and Concerns of the 2024 Meeting

The 2024 meeting was marked by a concentrated focus on several pressing issues. First and foremost was the climate crisis, a perennial concern for Pacific Island nations that are disproportionately affected by rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The first day of the meeting itself was marked by an earthquake of 6.9 magnitude.[vi]  The Forum is expected to emphasize the need for enhanced international climate financing and support for adaptation measures to safeguard these vulnerable communities.[vii]

Another critical agenda item is regional security. The Pacific Islands are increasingly becoming a strategic focal point in global geopolitics, particularly with the growing influence of major powers such as China and the United States. Against the backdrop of a security agreement between the Solomon Islands and China, the Forum will address the implications of this heightened strategic competition, with a focus on ensuring that regional security arrangements do not compromise the sovereignty and interests of Pacific Island nations.[viii]

Economic development was also on the agenda, with discussions likely to revolve around promoting sustainable growth and reducing economic vulnerabilities. This includes exploring new trade opportunities, boosting tourism, and developing infrastructure to enhance regional connectivity. The Forum aims to present a united front to leverage international partnerships and aid in these areas, ensuring that economic development benefits all member states equitably.

The issue of maritime boundaries and resource management was another significant topic. The Pacific Islands Forum seeks to address disputes and coordinate collective action on managing marine resources and protecting maritime zones from illegal activities.[ix] The sustainable management of ocean resources is crucial for the livelihoods of many Pacific islanders and for maintaining regional environmental health.

Setting the Stage for Global Powers’ Actions

The outcomes of the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum meeting are poised to influence the strategic calculus of global powers engaged in the Pacific region. With major powers like the United States and China actively vying for influence, the Forum’s resolutions could shape future diplomatic and economic engagements. The Forum’s emphasis on collective action and regional unity serves as a counterbalance to external pressures and influences, especially Chinese, reinforcing the agency of Pacific Island nations in global affairs.[x]

Apart from the US and China, the PIF 2024 meeting is also a crucial event for India, which is aiming for a reliable partner role in the Indo-Pacific. PM Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea to speak at the Forum for India-Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC) was marked by his emphasis on India as a suitable partner over China for the Pacific Island countries.[xi]

By articulating a clear and unified stance on critical issues, the Pacific Islands Forum can drive international attention toward the specific needs and priorities of its member states. Additionally, the Forum’s efforts to address climate change and regional security will likely prompt a more nuanced and cooperative approach from global powers, aligning their strategies with the region’s priorities. [xii]

 

In conclusion, the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Nukualofa stands as a pivotal moment for the region. It not only addressed immediate challenges but has also set a strategic framework for future international engagement. As the Pacific Islands Forum navigates the complexities of global power dynamics, its resolutions will undoubtedly resonate across diplomatic and policy circles, shaping the trajectory of regional and global interactions in the years to come.

By: Manah P, Research Assistant, CS3, USI

 

Endnotes

[i] “53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, Tonga | Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat,” n.d., https://forumsec.org/events/53rd-pacific-islands-forum-leaders-meeting-tonga.

[ii] Ibid.

[iii] “The Pacific Islands Forum | Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat,” August 26, 2024, https://forumsec.org/pacific-islands-forum.

[iv] Ibid.

[v] “FACT SHEET: Following Through on the U.S.-Pacific Islands Partnership 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga August 26-30, 2024,” The White House, August 27, 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/08/27/fact-sheet-following-through-on-the-u-s-pacific-islands-partnership-53rd-pacific-islands-forum-pif-leaders-meeting-in-nukualofa-tonga-august-26-30-2024/.

[vi] Alastair McCready, “Pacific Islands Leaders to Meet as Region Faces ‘Polycrisis’ of Threats,” Al Jazeera, August 23, 2024, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/23/pacific-islands-leaders-to-meet-as-region-faces-polycrisis-of-threats.

[vii] Explained Desk, “The Pacific Islands Forum’s Annual Meeting Begins: The Organisation and the Issues Being Discussed,” Indian Express, August 29, 2024, https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/the-pacific-islands-forums-annual-meeting-begins-the-organisation-and-the-issues-being-discussed-9537666/.

[viii] Alastair McCready, “Pacific Islands Leaders to Meet as Region Faces ‘Polycrisis’ of Threats,” Al Jazeera, August 23, 2024, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/23/pacific-islands-leaders-to-meet-as-region-faces-polycrisis-of-threats.

[ix] “53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, Tonga | Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat,” n.d., https://forumsec.org/events/53rd-pacific-islands-forum-leaders-meeting-tonga.

[x] “FACT SHEET: Following Through on the U.S.-Pacific Islands Partnership 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga August 26-30, 2024,” The White House, August 27, 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/08/27/fact-sheet-following-through-on-the-u-s-pacific-islands-partnership-53rd-pacific-islands-forum-pif-leaders-meeting-in-nukualofa-tonga-august-26-30-2024/.

[xi] Explained Desk, “Papua New Guinea’s PM touches Modi’s feet: Why this island country is important for India,” Indian Express, May 23, 2023, https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/papua-new-guinea-narendra-modi-8623317/.

[xii] Explained Desk, “The Pacific Islands Forum’s Annual Meeting Begins: The Organisation and the Issues Being Discussed,” Indian Express, August 29, 2024, https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/the-pacific-islands-forums-annual-meeting-begins-the-organisation-and-the-issues-being-discussed-9537666/.