Region focused on security threat of climate change; Peace uncertain following New Caledonia unrest; Concerns surrounding deep sea mining; Progress for regional architecture on gender equality

The Pacific Regional Security Outlook 2023-24, launched by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the Pacific Fusion Centre, highlights increasing security complexities. From June 24-26, 2024, leaders across the Blue Pacific region convened in Suva, Fiji, facilitated by the Pacific Security College, to discuss a unified security vision. Key takeaways include promoting harmony, thinking as a village, and integrating culture into security strategies.

The security framework is largely developmental in nature. It covers defence, police, law and justice, violence against women and children, national security, border, maritime and aviation security, cyber security, health security and biosecurity, as well as infrastructure, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and climate change and environment.

There is an opportunity for Australia to work with Pacific islands to invest in new technology and take a leadership role in the decarbonisation of shipping in the region.