Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today departs for Koror, Republic of Palau, to attend the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting, where Pacific leaders will gather under the theme: “B.E.L.A.U. – Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity.”
Hosted by President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., the annual Forum is the Pacific’s premier political gathering, bringing together leaders to discuss regional priorities, including economic development, climate change, regional security, fisheries, ocean governance and the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea would use the meeting to reaffirm its commitment to Pacific unity and to advance practical initiatives that would strengthen the region’s economic resilience and long- term prosperity.
“The Pacific Islands Forum remains our region’s most important platform for dialogue and cooperation. At a time of increasing global uncertainty, it is more important than ever that Pacific Island countries stand together, speak with one voice and work together for the benefit of our people,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea would continue advocating for greater regional cooperation in the sustainable management of fisheries and the blue economy, while promoting the country’s East New Britain Initiative (ENBi), which calls for more tuna and other fisheries resources harvested from Pacific waters to be processed and value-added within Pacific Island countries.
He said Papua New Guinea would also continue promoting the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) initiative, aimed at conserving at least 30 per cent of Melanesian ocean spaces while ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources for future generations.
Prime Minister Marape welcomed the establishment of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), describing it as an important Pacific-owned mechanism that would help member countries strengthen resilience against climate change, sea-level rise and natural disasters.
“Climate change is not an abstract issue for Pacific Island countries. It is a daily reality for our people. We must continue to work together and with our development partners to build resilient economies and resilient communities,” he said.
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea would also reaffirm its support for maintaining the Pacific as an Ocean of Peace.
“Our seas are not for conflict. They are not for nuclear testing or geopolitical rivalry. They are our greatest natural asset and must remain an Ocean of Peace for future generations.”
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea looked forward to working closely with fellow Pacific leaders to deliver practical outcomes that would strengthen regional cooperation, safeguard the Pacific’s shared resources and improve the lives of Pacific peoples. Prime Minister Marape is expected to return to Papua New Guinea on Friday, 4 September 2026.