Defense ministers in the South Pacific strengthen regional security cooperation at meeting in Auckland

The 2024 South Pacific Defense Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) concluded this week with renewed commitments to enhance security cooperation across the region, according to New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins. The meeting, held in Auckland, brought together defense ministers and senior civilian and military leaders from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.

“We are all committed to ensuring regional security, including protecting our vast maritime areas, strengthening our armed forces and addressing the impacts of climate change,” said Secretary Collins. “The South Pacific is our shared home, and by working together and exchanging knowledge, we support a safe, stable and prosperous region.”

Key themes: Maritime security and climate change adaptation

This year’s meeting emphasized collective efforts to address both traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the South Pacific. Discussions ranged from strengthening the effectiveness of the armed forces to responding to the impacts of climate change. Ministers also examined the role of emerging technologies in addressing these challenges and agreed joint measures to strengthen regional defense capabilities.

Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief were the focus, with participants emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the armed forces and civilian agencies. This joint approach is crucial for responding to natural disasters, such as cyclones, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which often affect countries in the South Pacific.

“We all agreed on the need for closer cooperation with civilian authorities, especially in the areas of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and the fight against threats to maritime security, such as illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, as well as transnational organized crime ” said Ms. Collins. “These issues have major implications for many countries in the South Pacific, including New Zealand, which has one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).”

Addressing non-traditional security threats and climate resilience

A key discussion point was how regional forces respond to non-traditional security challenges, such as environmental disasters. Defense forces in the South Pacific have increasingly coordinated their efforts to help communities recover from natural disasters, including cyclones, wildfires, floods and other climate-related events.

“SPDMM has proven to be an essential platform for dialogue, coordination and collective action in the region,” Minister Collins noted. “In a region as large as the South Pacific, cooperation on shared security challenges is essential.”

Looking ahead: SPDMM 2025 in Chile

Minister Collins concluded the meeting by expressing her gratitude for hosting the SPDMM 2024 in Auckland, while extending best wishes to Chile, which will host the meeting next year.

“Auckland is honored to host this year’s meeting, and I look forward to seeing how our partnerships continue to grow as Chile takes the lead for SPDMM 2025,” she said.

A full summary of the SPDMM’s key achievements for 2024 can be found in the joint communiqué, which details the commitments and cooperation goals discussed during the meeting.