Leaders urged to unite against regional threats – FBC News

Pacific Island Forum leaders have been called upon to unite against terrorism, security threats, the climate crisis, epidemics and the transnational organised crime prevalent in the region.

Speaking at the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders’ Meeting, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted the challenges of managing these issues amid competing geopolitical interests that influence current policies.

He calls on forum members to come up with solutions to the problems.

Rabuka stresses the importance of effective measures to address the growing threats in the region.

“In these challenging times, with increasing demands for rights, transparency and accountability, we must work to ensure that the next generation of leaders is equipped to meet their greatest challenges with courage and integrity.”

Rabuka also highlights the current crisis facing the people of the Pacific Islands, which is of great concern.

“It is a matter of survival, and our survival is non-negotiable. As we address the crisis in the Pacific, we have long been on the front lines of the fight for environmental justice – a fight that has become more urgent in the face of crises, disease, and increasingly severe climate change and events.”

The Forum leaders will go to the island of Vava’u tomorrow to refocus on their remaining agenda.