PNG Prime Minister Calls for Reform and Unity in Pacific Islands Forum
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to a reformed, inclusive, and united Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), calling on regional leaders to reshape the body to reflect the modern aspirations of Pacific peoples.
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PNG Prime Minister Calls for Reform and Unity in Pacific Islands Forum |
Mr Marape made the remarks during a high-level political Talanoa consultation in Suva, Fiji, with the Pacific Islands Forum Eminent Persons Group (EPG), held alongside the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Meeting. He stressed the urgency of structural reforms to strengthen the Forum’s leadership, governance, and representation.
“We are not small islands scattered across the ocean — we are a big oceanic state rich in culture, resources, and heritage,” Mr Marape said, calling for a shift away from outdated narratives and towards regional solidarity.
The EPG, mandated to review the Forum’s systems across four priority areas — political leadership, governance, engagement strategies, and partnerships — includes representatives Gerald Zackios (Marshall Islands), Dr James Rodrigues, and Peseta Noumea Simi (Samoa). Their Suva consultations mark a crucial step in the ongoing reform process.
Prime Minister Marape proposed introducing a rotational leadership model to ensure that all Forum member states, regardless of size or geography, have equal access to positions of influence. He also advocated for expanding Forum membership definitions to include cultural identity and residency criteria.
While acknowledging the importance of sub-regional groups like MSG and the Polynesian Leaders Group, Mr Marape cautioned against fragmentation, reiterating PNG’s stance for a stronger, more unified Pacific family under the PIF.
Marape underscored the role of Australia and New Zealand as vital members of the Pacific community. “Sometimes we separate them as ‘them and us’, but truthfully, we are one Pacific family. Let us walk forward together,” he said.
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