Pacific Heads of State and Government officials gathered yesterday to launch the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva.

The strategy recognises the need to take a long–term approach to secure, protect and leverage the PIF’s 18-member countries’ assets to secure its future.

It is a long-term plan and a highlight of the 51st Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ meeting held from July 11-14.

Fiji’s Prime Minister and chair of PIF Voreqe Bainimarama said the meeting set the pace for the next half-century of the region’s journey forward. “It will respond to and guide our collective efforts to address our current challenges.

“It will also harness our shared strengths, our culture and heritage, our island and ocean resources, and our natural environment.” Mr Bainimarama said the success of the 2050 Strategy was dependent on the leaders.

“It is the quality of our dialogue, debate and the direction that we offer that will determine the success of the strategy, and the direction of Pacific regionalism more broadly.”