First Pacific Alliance event held in Tonga

NUKU’ALOFA (OPOC/PACNEWS) — The Pacific Ocean took center stage as world and ocean leaders gathered in Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting.

On August 24, the Pacific Alliance (POA) held its first alliance event, organized by the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) during the Forum.

This is an important moment as ocean issues, often relegated to the margins, are now being pushed to the forefront alongside key topics such as climate change and financing.

The shift in priorities came as Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Action Plan, a multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism established by Pacific Islands Forum leaders through the 2010 Regional Oceans Policy, convened during Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Week. The event highlighted the growing importance of the Pacific, which has attracted increasing global attention in recent years.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Energy, Information, Disasters, Environment, Communications and Climate Change (MEIDECC), Akawuola, welcomed the participants to Tonga and stressed the importance of the information sharing mechanism.

He stressed the need to keep all stakeholders informed of ocean developments, even if interests diverge.

Akaiola also highlighted Tonga’s achievements in marine spatial planning and marine conservation, which have set high standards in the region.

Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Te’o, a veteran ocean advocate, shared his extensive experience in the ocean sector. He was involved in the development of the 2010 Pacific Oceanscape Framework and stressed the importance of working with partners to address ocean challenges. Te’o’s speech stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all ocean stakeholders.

The event featured prominent speakers and highlighted the important role of the Pacific Alliance in promoting coordination and coherence on ocean affairs.

Palau’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ngedix Ole Uludong, highlighted Palau’s groundbreaking efforts, including its status as the first country to ratify the Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), its progress in the plastics treaty negotiations, and its role as host to the Office of the Pacific Commissioner.

Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), acknowledged the important role played by regional organizations such as the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) in supporting OPOC.

He also acknowledged the emergence of new players in the maritime sector and urged a focus on innovative approaches to address existing challenges.

The event was enhanced by the presence of renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, whose participation was monumental and inspiring.

Dr. Earle shared her extensive scientific knowledge and insights on marine conservation, encouraging attendees to make meaningful contributions to protecting the Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific Alliance, under the chairmanship of the Pacific Commissioner, is poised to play a key role in ocean governance in the region.

Dr. Philemon Manoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, is working to integrate the Pacific Islands Forum and develop plans for future events, including webinars and a dedicated Pacific Islands Forum space. These initiatives will culminate in the Pacific Alliance Triennial Meeting in April 2025 and the United Nations Ocean Conference in France in June 2025.

As the Pacific continues to capture global attention, the Pacific Institute’s role in coordinating efforts and advocating for the region’s maritime interests is more important than ever. The event in Tonga marks an important step in ensuring that ocean issues remain at the center of the region’s agenda, reflecting the Pacific’s deep connection to its vast and vital marine resources… PACNEWS

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