Pacific leaders unite to prioritise climate action and regional security

Pacific leaders are set to "amplify Pacific priorities to shape and influence global decisions" at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this week.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) chair Jeremiah Manele will lead the region's engagement at the 80th edition of the UNGA, which will take place from 23 to 29 September.

Manele will be supported by PIF secretary-general Baron Waqa, with the key priorities being climate action and finance, ocean governance, regional security and people-centred development.

Pacific leaders are also set to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres for their annual dialogue.

The meeting will be an opportunity for the leaders to raise the Forum's agreed priorities directly with the UN chief, the PIF Secretariat said in a media release.

"UNGA 80 is a pivotal moment for Pacific voices to be heard and heeded. It builds on decades of Pacific advocacy on the global stage, positioning the Blue Pacific leadership in driving locally led solutions on climate actions and ambition," Waqa was quoted as saying in the PIF Secretariat news release.

The theme for this year's UNGA is 'Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights'.

The PIF Secretariat said the UNGA theme is fitting and timely.

"The Pacific's pursuit of a region that is peaceful, secured and prosperous led to the endorsement of the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration - a testament from the region of its intent to maintain a peaceful Pacific amidst the increasing global geopolitical competition and tension," it said.