IN today’s world, security means much more than just military strength. It includes challenges like climate change, cyber threats, and even the war on drugs that have infiltrated the Pacific Islands.
Recognising this broader perspective, the Pacific Regional and National Security Conference (PRNSC) organised by the Pacific Security College (PSC) was held from June 24-26, 2024, at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva.
The conference was groundbreaking, not just because it was the first of its kind, but because it showcased how security issues are changing. It highlighted the evolving nature of security, and what security means for Pacific Island communities.
It also recognised the need for an annual gathering of some of the best minds in the Pacific, focused on addressing security challenges as envisioned in the Boe Declaration on Regional Security.
Opening the conference, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka described the Pacific facing a “polycrisis” involving climate change, transnational crime, human security threats, and growing geopolitical tensions. His words resonated with the delegates who highlighted the interconnected nature of these challenges and the need for a unified regional response to address them effectively.
“I believe it is fitting therefore that at a time of geo-strategic tension, economic uncertainty, and a changing climatic environment, we, who are the “custodians of the ocean” welcome the proposal that the Pacific is an Ocean of Peace and agree to adopt a number of high-level principles, to guide efforts to realise this ambition and embed peace as a cornerstone of future policies and strategies,” Mr Rabuka said.
“An Ocean of Peace must reflect The Pacific Way. The concept recognises that whilst core values and a Pacific identify are shared across the region, local customs and understandings vary. Humility, quiet leadership, reconciliation and communication run through these definitions. So whoever enters the Pacific region will be compelled to tone down and tune in to the ways of the Pacific. The Ocean of Peace will be the Blue Pacific’s contribution to world order.”
The conference convened delegates from all Pacific Islands Forum members, along with representatives from ten partner organisations, including the Forum Fisheries Agency, Oceania Customs Organisation, and the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police. This diverse group reflected the extensive network of the Pacific security community and emphasised the conference’s core message: the importance of solidarity and cooperation in fostering peaceful, safe, and prosperous communities across the Blue Pacific.
At the heart of the conference discussions was the Boe Declaration on Regional Security, a framework that advocates for a holistic approach to security. Pacific Islands Forum (PIFs) Secretary General Baron Waqa emphasised this strategy, noting that it integrates social policy, community engagement, and intergovernmental collaboration.
“I wish to reiterate what forum leaders said when I welcomed them to Boe six years ago. Across the Blue Pacific continent, we place great importance on the rules based international order founded on the UN Charter, adherence to relevant international law and the resolution of international disputes by peaceful means. In terms of geopolitical competition my message is very simple and very clear. Geopolitical manoeuvring means nothing to Pacific peoples who have cyclones coming over the horizon. Geopolitical manoeuvring means nothing to Pacific peoples who have water lapping at their doorsteps due to sea level rise. Geopolitical manoeuvring means nothing to Pacific peoples who are focused on building resilience, peace and prosperity for our families, communities, nations and our region.”
The conference also pointed out the importance of co-ordination and information sharing between national and regional agencies.
Updating laws, boosting technology, and investing in training and infrastructure were seen as key to promoting national security and resilience in a world that is becoming more connected and unpredictable.
The conference also highlighted how combining old wisdom, languages, and cultural values with modern security methods is crucial for tackling today’s, and, tomorrow’s problems. It also stressed the need to hear from young people and civil society to create security plans that include all stakeholders.
A significant outcome of the conference was the emphasis on creating national security strategies that reflect the unique values and priorities of each forum member.
Countries such as Nauru, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tonga, and Niue were praised for starting to develop their national security strategies. Other nations, including Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Australia, were recognised for their ongoing efforts to enhance their security frameworks.
Climate change continues to loom large as the biggest threat to the lives, security, and overall well-being of Pacific communities. During the discussions, there was a significant focus on declaring a “State of Climate Emergency” and on embracing the concept of Loss and Damage under the UNFCCC. Furthermore, the conference highlighted the importance of the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility as a vital strategy for handling displacement caused by climate change impacts.
Throughout the conference, one clear message stood out: addressing security threats requires everyone in the region, government, and communities to work together.
Participants recommended that future plans under the Boe Declaration should focus on new security priorities like maritime security, artificial intelligence, and food security. These additions will complement ongoing concerns such as climate security, human security, transnational crime, and cyber security, showing how security challenges in the region are changing.
The conference also highlighted the ongoing relevance of the Biketawa Declaration and the benefits of collective responses to security and humanitarian crises. Participants acknowledged the need for unity among existing agencies and emphasised the value of regional dialogues (talanoa) for honest and open discussions on security issues.
The first Pacific Regional and National Security Conference sparked vital conversations and alliances for the future. As we look to 2050 and beyond, the decisions made here will lay a strong foundation for Pacific security. Participants look forward to gathering at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat for the next Conference in 2025.
PRNSC 2024 showcased how together, Pacific Island countries can tackle the complex security challenges of our time with unity and collaboration.
- A former journalist, CHEERIEANN WILSON also served as media advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister. She now specialises in communications and public relations consultancy.
