The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is held in Honiara, Solomon Islands. 10 September 2025 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Caleb Fotheringham
Solomon Islands prime minister has called for Pacific solidarity in an "evolving global and strategic environment" during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders' Meeting opening plenary.
The summit began on Monday but the plenary session on Wednesday is the first time all leaders have met together, including the prime ministers of Vanuatu, New Zealand and Australia, who were not in the previous meetings.
"Our strength lies in our solidarity and how we are able to respond to challenges and capitalise on opportunities as a collective," Manele told leaders.
"The world around us is changing fast, competition among powerful interests is intensifying and the Pacific must never be seen as an arena for others."
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in Honiara for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting from 8-12 September 2025. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Caleb Fotheringham
Manele said Pacific nations were not "passive bystanders" but nations bound by shared values.
Geopolitics has been a big talking point in the lead-up to the summit. The meeting is typically attended by over two dozen dialogue partners, including China, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Taiwan.
However, this year Manele blocked all external partners from the event, saying it was to give leaders space to focus on reviewing how the forum engages with its partners.
The move has resulted in mixed responses from leaders and accusations from others that it was to do with China-Taiwan tensions.
"I would like us to leave Honiara with decisions that strengthen our Forum, advance our priorities and secure a peaceful, resilient and prosperous Blue Pacific for generations to come," Manele said.
Pacific Islands Forum 2025 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Caleb Fotheringham
PIF secretary-general Baron Waqa said the region's challenges are stark.
"Climate change is intensifying, geopolitical competition is sharpening, economic and social pressures weigh heavily on our people."
Voyagers on traditional canoes, Tepuke and Uto Ni Yalo, shared a message of an urgent need for ocean protection in Honiara on the first official day of the event, which was backed by Manele.
"We must continue to strive for more actions, keep our region stable, nuclear free and peaceful indeed the future of our children depends on it," he said.
Later in the day, there was an official welcome at the National Stadium - a showcase of cultural diversity, national pride and regional solidarity.
Tongan Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Eke in Honiara for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting from 8-12 September 2025. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Caleb Fotheringham
The immediate past PIF chair and Tongan Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Valu Eke said the experience of the earthquake and tsunami tested his people's faith and strength.
"That experience did not define us as vulnerable, but as people of great resilience and people of unity pressing through with perseverance and determination."
