Regional call for support

Mark Brown, chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), has urged foreign ministers from the region, meeting in Suva on Friday, not to rely on the goodwill of others.

In his opening speech as chair of the 2024 Forum’s Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Mr Brown said the region was facing increasing geostrategic interests.

“We continue to fight a climate crisis that is getting worse every year,” Brown said.

We navigate new and emerging challenges and threats such as cyberattacks and transnational crime. We are constantly working as a region to strengthen our political solidarity to ensure that when a member calls on us, we, as a forum family, are able to respond.

I cannot stress enough the importance of our collective solidarity.

He said he was pleased that, despite all the pressure, they took the time to reflect on how they could better strengthen progress and shared priorities.

Pacific Islands Forum Chairman Mark Brown. Photo: PIF

We can no longer rest on our laurels and rely on the goodwill of others. If we are to achieve our shared vision for 2050, we must be more strategic and assertive in our collective engagement.

This way we can ensure that partners support our priorities and ambitions.

I want to encourage and urge everyone to be open, constructive and honest in our discussions. This is our space, let’s make the most of it.

He thanked the ministers for their cooperation as his presidency came to an end.

As my term as Chair of the Forum draws to a close, I would like to thank all the members at the table this morning (Friday) for their support and candor during the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.

It is an honour and a privilege for my government, my people and myself that the members of the Forum have entrusted me with this role.

At this meeting of Foreign Ministers, I thought it appropriate to also thank you all for your support over the past 18 months.

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