Pacific security community unites in Suva to tackle shared challenges

The Pacific Regional and National Security Conference has reinforced the power of Pacific unity, values and leadership in confronting the region’s most pressing security challenges.

Over three days in Suva, more than 150 delegates from 22 countries gathered to explore how the region can respond to a complex and evolving security environment. Among them were eight Ministers from six Forum member countries, alongside senior regional and national officials, civil society leaders, academics and diplomats.

Conference discussions explored the need for Pacific-led security approaches grounded in shared values and reaffirmed climate change as the region’s most urgent threat.

Panels highlighted transnational crime, particularly the growing impact of methamphetamine use, as an immediate and complex challenge requiring coordinated but locally tailored responses. Sessions also discussed maritime security, cybersecurity, regional security frameworks, and trends in national security. The importance of inclusive national security strategies was raised, including the leadership of youth, women, civil society and persons with disability.

Speaking at the conference closing, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa said the conference had underscored the importance of unity and cooperation in addressing the complex security challenges.

“The insights and perspectives shared by all participants have been invaluable in shaping our path forward,” he said.

“Our discussions over the last three days have emphasised the importance of addressing the various security issues we face through regional cooperation, evidence-based policies and improved alignment between national and regional security priorities,” he said.

“We must continue to explore the potential to strengthen our security collaborations. We must continue to look at strengthening information sharing by breaking down barriers that continue to hinder our collaboration. These efforts will enhance our cohesion and alignment to address the polycrisis facing our blue Pacific continent.”

The Prime Minister of Niue, the Hon Dalton Tagelagi, closed the conference on Wednesday afternoon and shared his confidence in the region to confront the security challenges before it by drawing in the whole community and traditional leaders.

“I started the conference by posing the question, what does security mean to you? The answer has come back. Security is holistic. It is the whole person. It is a whole community. It is a whole country, and it is the whole region. Security is leaving no one behind. Security is about protecting our values,” he said.

“Some may wonder, will the Pacific fail or rise before this crisis? My friends, the clear answer from this conference is the Pacific will rise and beat these challenges.”

A central theme throughout the 2025 conference was the vision of an Ocean of Peace – a secure, resilient and united Blue Pacific – anchored in collective action and Pacific values.

A headline panel on the second day of the conference explored the proposal as a potential response to region’s overlapping security challenges, such as accelerating climate risks, unresolved nuclear issues and geopolitical pressures.

On the final day of the conference, delegates took part in an interactive futures exercise, imagining a peaceful, resilient and united Pacific by 2050.

The session invited participants to consider what decisions must be made now to navigate the challenges ahead and steer toward a shared vision of an Ocean of Peace. Insights gathered during the exercise will feed into the drafting of a regional Ocean of Peace declaration for consideration by Forum Leaders in September.

Professor Dave Peebles, Director of the Pacific Security College, thanked the many partners who contributed to the success of the conference.

“We were very grateful to partner with 10 regional organisations, particularly the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the University of the South Pacific, to bring the Pacific security community together,” he said.

“I finish the conference full of optimism and hope, that the wisdom of our Pacific security leaders will help us to overcome the polycrisis before the Blue Pacific.

“There’s much to be getting on with, but the good ideas, good spirit, sharing and concern demonstrated by the Pacific security community this week is really inspiring.

“We look forward to next year’s Pacific Regional and National Security Conference.”