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By Pita Ligaiula, Nuku’alofa
NUKU’ALOFA (PACNEWS) — Halfway through the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa has issued a call to action, urging leaders to focus and unite to address the region’s most pressing challenges.
“I congratulate you all on the important progress that has been made, which provides a solid foundation for our Leaders’ Retreat tomorrow in Vava’u,” Waqa said in a speech to the plenary meeting of the Forum’s leaders in Nuku’alofa on Wednesday.
Vaca admitted that the week had been very intense, with many presentations and discussions.
“I know we listened to a lot of speeches this week. We absorbed a lot of information and learned a lot from different conversations.” But he reminded leaders of the core reason behind their work.
“At the end of every day, they remind us why we dedicate our lives to public service.
“Why we care about issues that affect the most vulnerable in society.
“Why we have no time to waste, we need to seek prosperity for all our people,” Waqa said.
In a powerful reminder of the purpose behind their work, Waqa asked forum leaders to remember why they were doing it.
“So my only request today is that we remind each other once again why we do what you do. It is this mindset that we need our leaders to guide our work and continue to lead our vaka towards a future that is in line with our shared vision and aspirations.
“In the spirit of unity, I am pleased that the past two days have set the platform for us to be ready to discuss the most critical issues facing our region.
“I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s game,” said SG Waqa.
Tonga’s Prime Minister and Forum Chairperson, Huakawimeliku Shosi-Sovaleni, urged leaders to urgently unite to address pressing issues facing the Pacific.
Recalling the talks of the previous days, Sovalene expressed appreciation for the “lively and interesting discussions”, especially with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
He highlighted key areas where the Pacific region has received strong support from the United Nations, including promoting the establishment of the Pacific Resilience Facility and integrating the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index into the international financing system.
“We have received strong support from the UN Secretary-General’s office,” said Sovalene, stressing the importance of putting the issue of sea level rise linked to climate change on the UN’s permanent agenda.
Sovalene also thanked key stakeholders in the region for their contributions, including the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) institutions, civil society and the private sector.
“I would also like to thank those observer organizations and partners who continue to support our priorities under the 2050 Strategy. Their input has been extremely valuable in shaping our discussions and priorities,” he said.
As Forum leaders prepare to turn their attention to regional priorities, Prime Minister Sovalenei stressed the importance of future discussions.
“This conversation will provide further information for our retreat discussions tomorrow.
“I am glad that we were able to frame the agenda in such a way that we had enough space and time to have the necessary political discussions at the retreat.
He expressed optimism that the forum would issue a communiqué outlining “Transformative, Resilient Pacific Islanders: Building Back Better Now.”
“My fellow leaders, I hope that over the next two days we will be able to issue a communiqué to the world outlining the themes we have set for the following conferences: Transformative and Resilient Pacific Islanders: Building Better Now,“Prime Minister Sovalenei said… PACNEWS
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