Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Chair and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Jeremiah Manele, welcomed Pacific leaders to a special reception at The Sanctuary, Roosevelt Island, New York, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The event brought together heads of government and senior representatives from across the Blue Pacific Continent, reaffirming the region’s commitment to collective action under the Forum’s theme: Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Manele reflected on the Pacific’s shared journey over the past 54 years, emphasising the importance of speaking with one voice on the global stage.
“Our presence here in New York provides us the opportunity to be united with one voice and be heard by the international community,” he said.
“Whether we are raising climate ambition, defending our oceans, or championing gender equality and youth leadership, our strength comes from speaking as one family.”
Mr Manele said that unity continues to drive the region’s agenda in areas such as peace and security, education, health, labour mobility, and digital connectivity.
He highlighted the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development as one of several key initiatives guided by the priorities of Pacific peoples.
“The Pacific is not a stage for others, it is a region that leads with clarity, courage, and conviction,” Prime Minister Manele declared.
The reception was held as part of broader Pacific engagements during UNGA, with Forum members using the platform to elevate Pacific voices on pressing global issues such as climate change, ocean governance, and sustainable development.
Forum leaders are expected to hold a series of high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings throughout the week, continuing efforts to advance the collective interests of the Blue Pacific.
