Stronger together: leaders convene for Pacific’s largest security dialogue

The Pacific’s largest gathering of the security community will bring together a broad cross-section of stakeholders in Suva this week, reflecting the wide range of challenges facing the region.

The Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue, in its third year, unites 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 conference is ‘Safeguarding a peaceful Blue Pacific together’, recognising the necessity of regional cooperation in addressing security challenges.

Director of the Pacific Security College, and one of the Dialogue organisers, Professor Dave Peebles said: “In a time of increasing uncertainty, regional cooperation is more important than ever.

“The Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue is the largest security dialogue in the region and we are guided by the expanded concept of security in the Boe Declaration.

“We are honoured to welcome experts and leaders from multiple sectors across traditional and non-traditional security. The chance to listen to, learn from, and share knowledge and wisdom with such a diverse group of voices is a privilege.

“We are stronger together, and it is our ability to work in partnership that will help us shape a peaceful and prosperous future to 2050.”

The three-day event will take place at the Grand Pacific Hotel and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat from 15 to 17 June. More than 250 delegates are expected to attend from across the region.

Across the first two days of the Dialogue, participants will hear from leaders and representatives on a range of issues, including:

• Economic security
• Regional cooperation
• Transnational crime
• Energy transition
• Land security
• Climate change and mobility

 

Ten Ministers from Fiji, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Palau, Niue and Nauru will join high-level panels to discuss the region’s response to ongoing security threats.

The Dialogue will also include a panel of young Pacific thinkers who will share their vision for a peaceful and secure Blue Pacific.

On the final day, delegates will take part in an innovative and interactive futures exercise. Participants will set the scene for collective horizon scanning, laying the groundwork to imagine the voyage to 2050, and what our destination could look like.

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.