Forum a significant force, says Dame Meg

By MALUM NALU

 PACIFIC Islands Forum Secretariat Secretary-General Dame Meg Taylor says the PIF has developed much clout over the last 44 years to become a force to be reckoned with on the international scene. 

She said this at the 46th PIF opening at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre in Port Moresby on Tuesday night.

“It is my great honour to address you all today as we open the 46th meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum,” Dame Meg said.

“This is an occasion of deep significance for me – both professionally and personally – my first time to address the Forum as Secretary-General and doing so in my beloved homeland of Papua New Guinea.

“This week, you come together as the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum – a community of countries committed to realising a collective vision of a prosperous Pacific.

“Together, you build on a foundation laid some 44 years ago by the leaders of seven countries – most of them newly- independent – who recognised the importance of political dialogue and collective action to mitigate common challenges and achieve shared goals.

“This meeting has developed into a mature organisation comprising 16 member-countries, three associate members and 12 observers. 

“The profile and influence of the forum has developed significantly – once a relatively informal meeting of leaders is now a major summit attracting the attention and participation of many other nations and international and regional organisations.

“Through the forum, your countries have worked together to make the Pacific a better place in numerous ways, for example through presenting a united voice against nuclear testing and establishing a legally-binding nuclear-free zone for the Pacific. 

“The forum has brought to life important bodies such as the Forum Fisheries Agency.

“And through regional initiatives such as the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands, we have supported each other to overcome difficult times.”

Dame Meg told PIF leaders that as their Secretary-General, she stood ready to oversee and drive the implementation of those issues which they determined a priority.  

“The issues recommended to you are multi-faceted and complex – they cannot be solved or delivered by any one single organisation,” she said.

“Member countries, regional and international organisations, the private sector and civil society will all need to have ongoing and productive conversations to advance the region’s new priorities bringing the theme of this year’s forum to life.”