Pacific civil society groups strengthen regional voice with renewed alliance

By Ron Rocky Coloma

Pacific civil society organizations have renewed a regional alliance that leaders say will help strengthen grassroots representation in major policy discussions on climate change, development, human rights and regional governance.

The Pacific Regional Non-Governmental Organization Alliance formally renewed its partnership through a memorandum of understanding signed in Suva, reaffirming its status as a coalition that has worked collectively across the Pacific since 2000.

The move comes as regional organizations seek greater influence in decision-making forums and growing engagement with governments and international institutions on issues affecting Pacific communities.

Joey Tau, chair of the alliance and coordinator of the Pacific Network on Globalization, described the signing as a significant milestone for Pacific civil society.

"After 26 years, this renewed commitment is a testament to the work of non-state actors and civil society organizations in informing and implementing regionalism," Tau said.

He said the agreement formalizes the alliance's commitment to coordinate and communicate Pacific perspectives while ensuring "recognition and engagement at regional to international policy platforms."

The alliance has historically played a prominent role in Pacific Islands Forum processes, helping establish civil society engagement frameworks and coordinating forums ahead of meetings involving Pacific leaders. It has also contributed to regional discussions on trade, climate action, ocean governance, development and human rights.

Regional church leaders and development organizations said the renewed partnership comes at a time when collaboration among civil society groups is increasingly important.

Rev. James Bhagwan, general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, said regionalism should be viewed as more than a policy exercise.

"As a regional institution with more than six decades of history, PCC understands regionalism as more than policy. … It is about the well-being of the whole Blue Pasifika Household," Bhagwan said.

He added that civil society organizations bring community experiences and concerns into regional discussions, helping strengthen efforts related to "justice, peace, climate action, self-determination and the dignity of all Pacific peoples."

Eunice Wotene, executive director of Oxfam in the Pacific, said cooperation among organizations is particularly important as civic space becomes more restricted in some parts of the world.

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\"Being part of the Alliance strengthens our ability to contribute to a unified voice, particularly at a time when civic space is increasingly constrained," Wotene said.

She said the alliance can help connect community concerns with regional decision-making processes and support more inclusive development across the Pacific.

Founded by a group of regional organizations, including the Pacific Conference of Churches, Greenpeace, WWF Pacific, and the Pacific Concerns Resource Center, the alliance has expanded over the past two decades. Current members include organizations representing youth, disability advocates, media groups, climate networks and gender diversity organizations.

The signing ceremony also marked the admission of the International Federation of Red Cross Pacific as the alliance's newest member, further expanding the coalition's reach across the region.

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