Marape calls for reform and unity in Pacific Islands forum
Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s strong commitment to a more united, inclusive, and modernised Pacific Islands Forum [PIF], urging regional leaders to embrace reform and solidarity in the face of mounting global challenges.
Speaking during a high-level political Talanoa consultation with the Pacific Islands Forum Eminent Persons Group [EPG] in Suva, Fiji, on the sidelines of the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group [MSG] Leaders’ Meeting, Mr Marape said the time had come to reshape the Forum to better reflect the shared values, identity, and aspirations of Pacific peoples.
“Our countries and peoples are not small island states – we are a big oceanic state, rich in resources, heritage, and history," Marape said. We have existed for thousands of years, long before colonial contact. We are a unique people, and nothing can separate us.”
The EPG, currently conducting regional consultations, is tasked with reviewing the Forum’s structure across four key areas: political leadership, governance mechanisms, engagement strategies, and regional partnerships.
Members of the EPG present at the Suva meeting included Gerald Zackios [Marshall Islands], Dr James Rodrigues, and Peseta Noumea Simi [Samoa].
In his remarks, Marape urged Pacific nations to stay united in confronting existential threats such as climate change and rising sea levels, saying the PIF must be the central platform for collective action and resilience.
He proposed several reforms to enhance fairness and representation within the Forum, including a rotational leadership model that would allow all member states [regardless of size or geography] equal opportunities for participation and influence.
“The Forum’s rules and leadership appointment processes must be reviewed. Every country or territory, every citizen and resident in the region, should have an equal right to representation and leadership,” he said.
He also called for an expanded definition of Forum membership, suggesting cultural identity and residency be considered alongside sovereign status.
While acknowledging the value of sub-regional blocs such as the MSG and Polynesian Leaders Group, PM Marape said these should not come at the expense of wider Pacific unity.
“Papua New Guinea’s position is clear: we want to strengthen—not weaken or dilute—the PIF. Our collective strength lies in the forum, not in fragmentation.”
He emphasised the importance of Australia and New Zealand as integral members of the Pacific family, stating, “Sometimes we see them as ‘them and us’, but in truth, we are one Pacific family. We must walk forward together.”
PNG will submit a formal position paper to the EPG outlining its reform proposals. The PNG Prime Minister encouraged other Pacific nations to actively contribute to the review, saying the Forum must evolve to reflect current political, social, and cultural realities.
“We were a people before borders and colonisation. Our voices must now shape the future. The Pacific Islands Forum must be the modern vessel that carries our shared destiny forward.”
At the conclusion of the consultation, the EPG thanked Mr Marape for his leadership and pledged to consider PNG’s contributions in their final report to be presented to Forum leaders later this year.