From the High Commissioner’s Desk – Rod Hilton

As I write this column, the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting is underway in Solomon Islands. It has been an exciting week, not yet over, full of discussion and collaboration between Pacific Leaders.

The first thing I want to do is congratulate Solomon Islands, and commend all those involved in organising this event, for their hard work and dedication in hosting a meaningful 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. The week so far has showcased the importance of regional unity and addressing shared challenges together. It has also been a chance for visitors to witness Solomon Islands spectacular cultural diversity firsthand.

For Australia’s part, this week saw our Prime Minister, the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, visit Solomon Islands to participate in his fourth Pacific Islands Forum.

Prime Minister Albanese met Prime Minister the Honourable Jeremiah Manele MP and had a positive discussion about the importance of the Pacific Islands Forum and ways to make it stronger over the year ahead, and our important bilateral relationship.

Because when we work together as family, our whole region is stronger.

Recognising the clear challenge climate change presents for our region, Forum Leaders endorsed the establishment of the Pacific Resilience Facility – a vital initiative to advance climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and nature-based solutions, to which Australia is contributing a foundational AUD100 million/approximately SBD500 million. It was also pleasing to see strong agreement to keep pushing for a Pacific hosted COP31.

Prime Minister Albanese also agreed with Fiji’s Prime Minister the Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka to negotiate a new security treaty as part of a shared vision of a secure and prosperous Pacific.

Prime Minister Albanese, together with all Pacific Islands Forum leaders, declared our region an “Ocean of Peace” recognising that security is the shared responsibility of members and, as family, we will step in to help each other.

The Prime Minister was joined in his delegation by Australia’s Head of the Office of the Pacific, Elizabeth Peak, and Australia’s newly appointed Ambassador for Climate Change, Will Nankervis. Both took the opportunity to meet with counterparts and discuss regional challenges while in Solomon Islands.

Ambassador Nankervis met the Honourable Polycarp Paea MP, Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology. They discussed the ongoing collaboration between Australia and Solomon Islands on climate change and adaptation, as well as shared priorities for global climate action and the bid for a Pacific COP.

Ambassador Nankervis reiterated that Australia recognises the Pacific’s leadership in driving global climate action and is taking meaningful action on climate change – at home and in partnership with the region.

In a changing and increasingly challenging world, Pacific unity is critical to achieving the future we want for our region. Australia was pleased to be able to support Solomon Islands in its hosting of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.

As a founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum and at the request of Solomon Islands Government, Australia provided a comprehensive package of 61 police vehicles, cyber support, infrastructure, airlift and funding for logistics and security support.

I would like to personally thank Prime Minister Manele as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and all of Solomon Islands for its hosting of this year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting and say that we look forward to working with you over the year ahead to progress this important regional agenda.

Lukm iu neks taem!