The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened National Consultations for Fiji on the key regional initiatives for 2024.
The first of such consultation was conducted yesterday by the Acting Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) Esala Nayasi and Fiji’s Roving Ambassador, William Toganivalu at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Suva.
Discussions considered Fiji’s perspective and experiences in the context of the key regional initiatives for 2024 and took into account updates on the national priorities to better inform the alignment of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent (2050 Strategy).
The outcomes of today’s deliberations will inform a cohesive implementation of the 2050 Strategy.
The initiative demonstrates Fiji’s commitment and solidarity with Forum members in building a more resilient, prosperous and peaceful Pacific Region.
In his opening address, Acting SG Nayasi acknowledged the Fiji Government as the host country of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and reaffirmed the value and historical linkages of Fiji and the organisation.
He underlined the value of Pacific Regionalism and collective action and advocacy to inform and drive regional priorities.
In his remarks, Toganivalu thanked PIFS for the commitment to foster unity, solidarity and progress among Forum member states.
He spoke of the importance of national consultations to shape a sustainable future of the region and to make positive impacts on the lives and livelihood of the Pacific Family.
Toganivalu said it is incumbent upon the Forum members to ensure that this crucial process is guided by the principles of equity, inclusivity and sustainability.
The consultations focused on raising awareness and appreciation for Pacific Regionalism and PIFS role, to ensure that regional mechanisms align and support the national development priorities, address challenges and promote opportunities for deeper regional engagements.
The 2050 Strategy was endorsed by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in 2022 guiding regionalism in the Pacific, and its Implementation Plan (2050 Strategy Implementation Plan) was endorsed also by the Leaders in 2023 in Cook Islands.
