Regional cooperation emphasised as Pacific’s largest security gathering under way in Suva

The importance of regional collaboration and collective action was emphasised during the opening ceremony of the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva today.

In their opening remarks the Hon Simon Kofe, Tuvalu Minister for Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa observed that the Pacific is facing numerous challenges.

“We meet at a time of genuine uncertainty,” Secretary General Waqa said.

“The global strategic environment is increasingly fragmented. International rules and norms that were once considered enduring are now being routinely challenged and disregarded … The Pacific is not insulated from these challenges.”

The Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue is the region’s largest gathering of the security community, and brings together representatives from politics, academia, security agencies, regional organisations, civil society, and cultural, church and community groups to explore current and emerging priorities under the Boe Declaration on Regional Security.

The theme of the 2026 conference is ‘Safeguarding a peaceful Blue Pacific together’.

Minister Kofe stressed the importance of regionalism in tackling security threats including climate change, transnational crime, geostrategic competition, and technological disruption.

“Regionalism must be understood as more than an aspiration. In an increasingly interconnected and contested world, it is becoming a practical necessity for safeguarding both our interests and our independence,” he said.

Secretary General Waqa highlighted the work on finalising the Regional Peace and Security Action Plan 2026-2030.

“The plan will strenghten our efforts to combat transnational organised crime, respond to climate change, enhance human security, and ensure that our Pacific community is secure now and in the future.

“It is the combination of political will, regional vision, and political action that gives me confidence that we can realise our vision of a resilient Pacific region, one that is prepared for the challenges of today and empowered to shape a peaceful, secure and prosperous future for generations to come.”

Secretary General Waqa described the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue as a “critical fixture in our regional security calendar”, one that provides opportunity for reflection, discussion and forward thinking.

“What makes this dialogue distinctive is its breadth. Our participants come from not only policing and defence backgrounds, but also from community organisations, civil society, academic and youth networks,” he said.

“That breadth brings to life the expanded concept of security reflected in the Boe Declaration, where security is built across the whole of society, not only within security institutions.

“The pressures we face have not only intensified, but have become increasingly interconnected, requiring responses that are regional, integrated and collaborative.”

About the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue

Set against the backdrop of the Boe Declaration on Regional Security, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue is the region’s largest gathering of the security community from across Forum Island Countries. It brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, reflecting the expanded concept of security as defined by the Boe Declaration. Presented by 13 organisations, including the Pacific Security College, the conference provides expert updates and insights on key issues shaping the region’s future.