Summary
Leaders from Pacific Island nations, including Australia and New Zealand, gathered in the Solomon Islands for an annual summit. The main topics discussed were climate change and security, with emphasis on regional unity amidst influence from global powers like China and the United States. The meeting excluded donor partners such as China and the US, following a dispute over Taiwan's attendance.
Key Facts
- The summit took place in the Solomon Islands, focusing on climate change and security.
- Pacific Islands Forum consists of 18 member nations, including some with diplomatic ties to Taiwan, the US, and China.
- This year's summit excluded foreign observers due to a dispute about Taiwan's attendance.
- Divavesi Waqa, the forum's secretary-general, highlighted climate, ocean governance, and economic resilience as key regional priorities.
- Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele emphasized the need for Pacific regional unity and action.
- Leaders are expected to sign the "Ocean of Peace" Declaration, emphasizing environmental protection and peaceful dispute resolution.
- Australia is vying to host the COP31 climate summit and plans to strengthen ties with Pacific nations.
- Vanuatu recently won a UN court case urging global action on climate change as an existential threat.
