PACIFIC ISLAND FORUM
Why in News?
The annual 53rd meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) commenced on August 26 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, with over 1,500 delegates from around 40 countries in attendance.
- This year’s discussions are focused on:
a. Climate change and
b. The strategic influence battle between China and the US.
THE FORUM
- Formation and Members
- Established: 1971
- Members: 18 member states- 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.
- Objectives
- Goals: Promote economic growth, improve political governance and security, and enhance regional cooperation.
- Vision: A resilient Pacific region characterized by peace, security, social inclusion, and prosperity for all Pacific peoples.
- Decision-Making
- Process: Issues are discussed and decisions are made by consensus at the annual meeting. Implemented by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
MEMBERSCLIMATE CHANGE
- Current Concerns
- Impact: Rising sea levels, ocean warming, and acidification are severely affecting Pacific Islands. The South West Pacific has experienced sea level rises more than twice the global average over the past 30 years.
- WMO report : On August 27, a World Meteorological Organization report revealed that faster-than-average sea level rise, ocean warming, and acidification are threatening the Pacific Islands. The South West Pacific was worst hit by sea level rises, in some places by more than double the global average in the past 30 years, according to the analysis.
- Responses and Funding
- UN Secretary-General: António Guterres emphasized the urgency of addressing rising sea levels and their effects on coastal communities.
- Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF): A regional fund aimed at climate action, currently $380 million short of its $500 million target.
CHINA – US DYNAMICS
- Geopolitical Tensions
- China’s Role: Strengthened ties with PIF members, including security agreements with the Solomon Islands, raising concerns in Australia and the US.
- US Presence: Significant delegation led by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell.
- Forum Dynamics
- China’s Involvement: Largest-ever delegation from China at this year’s meeting.
- Security Perspectives: Divergent views on security issues between Pacific nations and major development partners, as noted by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown.
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