More than 150 regional leaders, diplomats, security experts, and civil society representatives are in Suva for one of the Pacific’s largest security gatherings – the 2025 Pacific Regional and National Security Conference (PRNSC).
Held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat from July 14-16, the high-level meeting brings together senior government officials from Forum member countries.
Opening the conference today are Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Niue’s Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi and Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa.
“This conference is an opportunity for the Pacific security community to help shape what that vision looks like in practice, and to consider the principles, partnerships and policies needed to make it real,” said Professor Dave Peebles, Director of the Pacific Security College.
The 2025 PRNSC is anchored on the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
It also aims to help regional stakeholders develop a clear, Pacific-led roadmap towards the proposed “Ocean of Peace” – a vision Forum leaders will consider later this year.
“We are bringing together national security officials, and community leaders not just to respond to today’s crises, but to chart a peaceful and resilient path towards 2050 and beyond,” said Professor Peebles. “We believe we are stronger together when we learn from each other and when we support each other to build a peaceful, resilient and secure region.”
Over 40 speakers across 10 panels will discuss critical issues, including:
- Climate security and the region’s worsening climate indicators
- The methamphetamine crisis
- Women, peace and security
- Maritime and environmental threats
- Digital technologies as tools and risks
- Humanitarian responses and the future of the Boe Declaration
Eight ministers from Fiji, PNG, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands will also speak on how their governments are addressing regional security threats.
The conference ends with an interactive “futures exercise” led by experts from the Pacific Community and the Australian National University.
The PRNSC is jointly presented by 11 regional organisations, including the Pacific Security College, Forum Fisheries Agency, USP, and the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police.
