RELEASE: Forum Leaders Reinforce Strategic Partnership with the United Nations

New York: Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders have reaffirmed a strong and unified regional mandate at the United Nations, advancing Pacific priorities including on climate change and financing, peace and security, and a stronger, more responsive multilateral system. As part of their annual schedule, the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders had their dialogue with the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the margins of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). At their meeting, Leaders brought the mandate agreed at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau to the global stage, emphasising the importance of connecting Pacific-led priorities and regional decisions with international action and support. Leaders highlighted the Pacific’s pathway towards COP31, the need to strengthen access to climate and development finance, and the Pacific Resilience Facility as a Pacific-led mechanism to strengthen community resilience.  On peace and security, Leaders reaffirmed the vision of the Blue Pacific as an Ocean of Peace, while addressing emerging challenges including sea-level rise, nuclear issues and transnational crime. Leaders also hig...