MSG Leader’s Summit to focus on unity and regional reform

Senior Officials from the MSG countries concluded their meetings last week. The meetings are a lead-up to the Leader's Summit happening on Monday. PNG Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary, Elias Wohengu is standing third from left (Image: MSG Secretariat)

The 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group [MSG] Leader's Summit is now underway in Suva, Fiji. Leader's senior officials, and delegates from all five MSG member countries - Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the FLNKS of New Caledonia are attending.

Observer groups, including the United Liberation Movement for West Papua and Indonesia, are also taking part in the summit.

The formal handover of the MSG Chairmanship from Vanuatu to Fiji will happen tomorrow, Monday, June 23, before the start of the Leaders Plenary and a private retreat session at the Bose Levu Vakaturaga Talanoa Lounge, a traditional meeting house for Fijian chiefs.

This is the 23rd official MSG Summit since the group was founded in 1986, with the first meeting held in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. The MSG was created to support Melanesian solidarity, decolonisation, trade, and cultural identity, and it remains a key platform for regional cooperation and advocacy.

Prime Minister James Marape will present PNG’s country statement during the plenary session, where he is expected to reaffirm PNG’s support for a stronger MSG and call for reforms in regional organisations to better address development and security challenges.

Mr Marape will also attend a high-level Talanoa meeting with the Pacific Islands Forum’s Eminent Persons Group. Their discussions will focus on improving how regional institutions work and how to keep Pacific nations united.

Prime Minister James Marape met on arrival in Suva this morning by PNG's Acting High Commissioner to Fiji, Bill Olmi (MSG Secretariat)

Prime Minister Marape has played an important role in helping maintain unity in the Pacific. In 2021, when the Pacific Islands Forum faced internal conflict, he helped bring leaders back to the table and rebuild trust between Polynesian and Melanesian members.

“Papua New Guinea remains fully committed to the ideals of Pacific regionalism,” Prime Minister Marape says.

“We must work through our institutions, such as the MSG and PIF, to respond more effectively to the needs of our people, whether in the face of climate change, development inequality, or shifting geopolitical interests.”

The 23rd MSG Leaders Summit is happening at an important time for the Pacific, as countries in the region look to improve how their organisations work, strengthen leadership, and become more self-reliant.

Prime Minister James Marape is expected to use this meeting to speak up for practical ideas and real changes that will benefit Melanesian people and the wider Pacific region.