Forum leaders sign landmark declaration to work together for a safer and prosperous Pacific

BY SAMIE WAIKORI
History has been made, as Pacific leaders came together and adopted the “Ocean of Peace Declaration” at the 54th Pacific Island Forum leaders meeting underway in Honiara.
A grand ceremony for the adoption of the declaration was held yesterday at the Friendship Hall, where the chair of PIF, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and champion of the Ocean for Peace concept, Fiji Prime Minister Sitivene Rabuka shared greater need for a peaceful Pacific region.
Manele said the “Ocean of Peace Declaration” is rooted in our collective histories and cultures, guided by our collective vision for a resilient Pacific region of peace, harmony and prosperity.
“The Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration is shaped by lived experience, forged through hardship and sustained by hope.
“The Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration is a call for the Pacific to control its destiny, to place development at the centre of our agenda for peace and free our people from fear and to live in dignity.
“Under its auspices, for the peace framework, we must mobilise resources to cooperate across borders and to share knowledge and expertise,” he said.
He stated the declaration provides a foundation for partnerships, both within the region and with the wider world, to address UXO, to restore the health of Pacific seas and construct safe islands.
Declared that the PIF’s commitment to the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration is for the entire Pacific family.
Manele said to tackle climate change, which remains the single greatest threat facing the Pacific; natural disasters, social and economic issues and others demand the multi dimensional of the oceans.
“The declaration strengthens our ability to act together, alliance with others, respect each other’s sovereignty and strengthen good neighbouring relations and switch on the path for unity,” he said.
Furthermore, Manele emphasised that PIF’s stand for peace is a contribution to global stability. The declaration of the Pacific is near to a free region, to the best international system that is aligned with and for peace.
He said contribution to peace involves everyone in society, from civil society to faith-based institutions and from indigenous people to the private sector.
“This is a peaceful message to the global community that we are a responsible region and a model for cooperation.
“The Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration is a champion of small and adjacent states, special situations and defend the rights and dignity of our Pacific peoples.
“It binds us together as one Blue Pacific, strengthened by our diversity and inspired by our common heritage.
“The Ocean of Peace is a beacon of openness. We live in together spirit, let us engage with all, trade with all and walk with all.
“May the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration be our compass as we navigate the challenges of the present and the promise of the future,” Manele said.