BY JOY OFASIA
Prime Minister Honourable Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands officially opened the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, underlining the need for unity, action, and commitment within the Blue Pacific.
Standing before regional leaders, youth advocates, and cultural performers, Manele extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Solomon Islands.
“Gudfala evening evriwan and welkam to the Hapi Isles,” he said. “It is a great honour and a deep privilege for the Government and the People of Solomon Islands to host our Forum Family.”
Now serving as the new Forum Chair for the next 12 months, Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the leadership of Tonga over the past year and expressed deep humility in stepping into the role.
“The magnitude of the task ahead does not escape me,” he said. “But I acknowledge with deep gratitude the confidence placed on me by my colleague Leaders.”
This year’s Forum theme – “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent” – set the tone for the gathering.
“‘Iumi Tugeda’ reflects the spirit of Pacific solidarity,” Manele explained. “‘Act Now’ reminds us the challenges we face demand immediate and united responses.”
From climate change to economic resilience, Manele stressed that Pacific nations must act together to overcome the region’s shared challenges.
- The Prime Minister highlighted two major agreements to be formalised this week:
- The signing of the Pacific Resilience Facility, aimed at strengthening disaster response and recovery.
- The endorsement of the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, led by Fiji.
“Both are powerful recommitments to peace, resilience, and cooperation across our ocean continent,” Manele said.
Reflecting on the last time Solomon Islands hosted the Forum in 1992, Manele quoted the Solomon Island former Governor General late Sir George Lepping:
“The need for regional cooperation has become more important and more compelling.”
He likened the journey of the Pacific region to a traditional wansolwara voyage – a shared path guided by unity, trust, and a common destination.
A highlight of the evening was a tribute to Pacific youth leaders pushing for climate justice at the International Court of Justice. Solomon Islanders Solomon Yeo, Cynthia Houihi, and Rodrick Rolland were celebrated for their activism.
“Tok stori is our way of understanding each other,” Manele said, urging continued dialogue between leaders, civil society, and communities.
The opening ceremony featured vibrant performances, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Solomon Islands and the Pacific.
“We speak more than 87 different languages across these islands and yet, we are still able to converse as one,” Manele said with pride. “We will chant with one voice, one ocean and one people on issues that matter to us.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manele offered a message of humility and service.
“As I close, I leave with you the guiding words from our National Crest – ‘To Lead is to Serve’. May we lead with humility, wisdom and unwavering dedication to our people across the Blue Pacific.”
