Forum leaders reinforce strategic partnership with the United Nations

New York (PIF)-- Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have reaffirmed a strong and unified regional mandate at the United Nations, advancing Pacific priorities including on climate change and financing, peace and security, and a stronger, more responsive multilateral system.

As part of their annual schedule, the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders had their dialogue with the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the margins of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

At their meeting, Leaders brought the mandate agreed at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau to the global stage, emphasising the importance of connecting Pacific-led priorities and regional decisions with international action and support.

Leaders highlighted the Pacific’s pathway towards COP31, the need to strengthen access to climate and development finance, and the Pacific Resilience Facility as a Pacific-led mechanism to strengthen community resilience. 

On peace and security, Leaders reaffirmed the vision of the Blue Pacific as an Ocean of Peace, while addressing emerging challenges including sea-level rise, nuclear issues and transnational crime.

Leaders also highlighted the importance of inclusive and fit-for-purpose regional and global architecture, including continued reform within the Pacific and the United Nations, to ensure that institutions remain responsive to the priorities and needs of the communities they serve.

“The Pacific must continue to navigate together. Our 2050 Strategy remains our compass. And in Palau, our theme, B.E.L.A.U.: Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity. reminded us that the journey must ultimately serve our people, our communities, and the generations who will inherit our Blue Pacific. It also reminded us that we can do more together,” said Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., the Forum's chair.

Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the important role of the Pacific in bringing regional priorities to the international agenda, particularly on climate action, and expressed the United Nations’ solidarity with the region.

“The biggest richness of our world is the Pacific Ocean and that means that the region must be effectively protected, effectively supported and all including superpowers should not try to replace your role as the Pacific but to support your countries in the control and development of your countries,” said Guterres. 

The dialogue also carried particular significance as Secretary-General Guterres’ final meeting with Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in this format before his term concludes at the end of 2026.

Leaders expressed their appreciation for his longstanding friendship and solidarity with the Pacific, recognising his commitment to ensuring that the realities and priorities of Pacific Island countries, including climate change, sea-level rise and the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States are heard at the heart of the international system.

The dialogue reinforced the importance of an enduring Pacific–United Nations partnership that connects regional priorities with global decision-making, financing and implementation.