Small Island States call for unity and stronger support at PIF

Incoming Chair of the Small Island States, Taneti Maamau, who is also Kiribati President, addressing members of the SIS at the Fisheries Forum Agency conference room in Honiara, Solomon Islands (NBC News)

Leaders of the Small Island States [SIS] met in Honiara today as part of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum, stressing the need for action, unity, and stronger support for their most vulnerable communities.

Outgoing SIS Chair and Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina said the group must act now in order to survive.

He called for more funding through the SIS Development Fund and stronger partnerships with regional and international partners. He reminded leaders that while the islands are small in size, they are strong in culture, ocean resources, and resilience.

"We must continue to advocate for regional and international partnerships that acknowledge our realities, small in scale, yet vast in ocean culture and resilience, " the outgoing chair of the SIS said.

Incoming Chair and President of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, said the SIS must continue to make sure their voices are heard and priorities respected.

"Colleagues, our discussions today carry weight well beyond this room. They will shape the visibility of the Small Island States in the broader Forum deliberations this week, and they will send a signal to our partners and to the international community.

"If we are bold and united, the SIS will not only be here as a grouping but will lead in showing how vulnerability can be transformed into political strength and unity", the Kiribati president said.

He also sent condolences to the people of the Marshall Islands after the recent fire at their Parliament and the passing of former President Christopher Loeak.

Leaders of the Small Island States (NBC News)

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa pledged the Forum’s support to SIS. He said the Secretariat will stand behind them with technical advice, policy support, and ensure that their priorities are included in the 2050 Strategy.

"The SIS group has always held a special place within the forum family. It is a political expression of our solidarity as the smallest and most vulnerable members, and a reminder that our regional architecture must serve all equally, especially those with the least capacity but the greatest need', PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa said.

He also confirmed that leaders will review SIS membership and consider Tonga’s request to join, and that they will work to strengthen the SIS Development Fund to make the group more self-reliant.