Solomon Islands hands over PIF chairmanship to Palau after a year of leadership focused on Pacific unity and collective action.
Solomon Islands has handed over the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum to Palau, marking the end of its year leading the regional organisation.
Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Houenipwela represented Solomon Islands at the handover ceremony in Palau.
In his remarks at the opening ceremony for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, Houenipwela said Solomon Islands was proud of the opportunity to lead the Forum and contribute to the work of the wider Pacific region.
He said the chairmanship was not simply about holding a position for one year, but about taking responsibility and helping move the Pacific forward.
“The service is beyond the title, have passed the but service is not measured only in months. It is measured by whether, when your turn come, you took hold of the paddle and pulled it for the whole family.”
Using the image of a paddle, Houenipwela said every Pacific country has a role to play in moving the region forward.
He said the regional message is about working together, protecting Pacific communities and building a better future.
“Together we act, through action we protect life, and through unity we build a future worthy of our people.
“ You do not receive a finished map. None of us has ever do. But you receive a trusted compass, the 2050 strategy, the decisions of our leaders, and the Pacific values that have carried this forum for 55 years.”
Houenipwela said Solomon Islands was handing over the chairmanship with confidence that Palau would continue the work.
He also acknowledged that Palau would face a demanding regional agenda, but said the country would have the support of other Forum members.
“You inherit a demanding agenda, but you do not inherit it alone. You have the wisdom of Palau, the support of the Troika, the service of the Secretariat, and the strength of the entire Forum family beside you.”
Houenipwela also reflected on the theme used by Solomon Islands during its year as chair: “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent.”
He said Palau’s new theme builds on the message of unity and collective action promoted by Solomon Islands.
“Solomon Islands called the region to unite together, to act together. Palau now calls us to build economies through life, action, and unity. These are not two separate themes; they are one continuing Pacific sentence: together we act, through action we protect life, and through unity we build a future worthy of our people.”
The handover means Palau will now take responsibility for leading the Pacific Islands Forum and advancing the regional agenda over the coming year.
