It is an intergovernmental organisation formed in 1971.The annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) began on August 26 in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga.
It is an intergovernmental organisation which consists of 18 member states located in the Pacific region.
Member countries are:
Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Aim:
-It aims to push for economic growth, enhance political governance and security for the region, and strengthen regional cooperation.
-PIF members have been pushing to raise funds for climate action. Notably, the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) , a regional financing facility established by PIF is currently $380 million short of its $500 million target.
Significance of Pacific Islands Forum:
Here are some of its primary roles and significance:
Regional Cooperation and Unity: The PIF promotes political and economic co-operation among Pacific island nations. It allows these nations to unite on common issues and present a stronger, collective voice on the global stage.
Advocacy on Global Issues: The forum advocates for the specific interests of Pacific Island nations, particularly in areas like climate change, which disproportionately affects the region. Many PIF member nations are low-lying islands vulnerable to rising sea levels, making climate change a top priority.
Economic Development: The forum helps member states collaborate on trade, investment, and economic policies. It also facilitates dialogues with external partners like Australia, New Zealand, and larger international bodies such as the United Nations.
Security and Political Stability: The PIF plays a role in promoting regional security, particularly through the Biketawa Declaration, which outlines collective actions that can be taken in times of crisis or political instability. It promotes peace, good governance, and conflict resolution in the region.
Strategic Relations with Larger Powers: As larger powers like China and the U.S. show increasing interest in the Pacific, the PIF provides a platform for Pacific nations to negotiate and balance relations with these external actors. It has become a significant forum for managing geopolitical competition in the region.
Sustainable Development and Resource Management: The PIF supports sustainable development in the region, especially regarding marine resources. Pacific Island nations have vast exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and the forum is key in facilitating cooperation on fisheries, ocean conservation, and resource management.
The PIF’s 40-year history has helped create stronger partnerships between island nations, positioning them as influential actors on issues that transcend the Pacific.