Pacific leaders gear up for key discussions on nuclear-free future amid challenges

The Pacific Islands Forum commends the Marshall Islands for signing the Treaty of Rarotonga and reaffirms its nuclear-free intentions ahead of the leaders’ summit in September.

Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa, who attended the Republic of the Marshall Islands Nuclear Remembrance Day, says witnessing their signing to the Treaty of Rarotonga was “a plus”.

The Treaty of Rarotonga signed nearly 40 years ago, establishes the South Pacific as a nuclear-weapon-free zone, banning the manufacture, testing, and stationing of nuclear explosive devices.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands hesitated to sign due to its close defence and aid ties with the United States under the Compact of Free Association.

“The visit to Marshall Islands and to be part of their Remembrance Day is something that I think everyone, not just the Marshallese, but others in the region should rally behind,” Waqa says.

“Because these are the people that suffered greatly and continue to suffer.

“We continue advancing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, including through the first Pacific Child Wellbeing Summit.

“This is in partnership with UNICEF to ensure a safe and equitable future for our youngest citizens.”

Ocean of Peace

Desna Solofa, the Forum Deputy Secretary-General, says they have yet to meet with their team after discussing the Ocean of Peace initiative last week.

PIF is developing The Ocean of Peace or Zone of Peace concept, which strives for a nuclear-free zone rooted in Pacific values, history, and diplomacy.

It is built on frameworks like the Treaty of Rarotonga and the Boe Declaration and calls for collective action to uphold stability, sovereignty, and cooperation across the Blue Pacific.

“We haven't yet had the opportunity to debrief, but we are advised that the talanoa [discussion] went well,” Solofa says.

“We will also release a press release on this and the details for which will be confirmed as well in our own discussions as well.”

Desna Solofa. Photo /PIF

New Caledonia

Waqa also says that political tension in New Caledonia remains one of their priorities and that some developments have occurred since their visit last year.

Following 10 months of political unrest related to electoral reforms, New Caledonia reopened tourist visitations amid persistent tensions between pro-independence supporters and loyalists.

“The French government has also come in and started their own discussion as well, so the dynamics are starting to shift and change,” Waqa says.

“We hope it is for the better for the New Caledonians. We will be working hard to make sure that our reporting and observing of the situation is kept up to date.”

With the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting set for September in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Waqa confirms the members will discuss the Pacific Resilience Facilities and Review of Regional Architecture.