BY INDY MAEALASIA

Pacific governments must prioritise maritime security in their national budgets to protect sovereignty and ensure regional survival, says Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice-Chancellor, Transform Aqorau.

He made the comment during the Pacific Maritime Security Workshop at the university’s Ranadi Campus on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

Speaking on regional cooperation, he urged international partners to view their support towards the maritime sector not as “charity” but as a “long-term investment in global peace and sustainable development”.

“When every nation in the Pacific can reliably monitor its waters and enforce its laws, everyone benefits. Fish stocks regenerate, criminal networks shrink and the rule of law prevails at sea,” Aqorau said.

The Vice Chancellor further called for a “continued spirit of collective action and Pacific ownership”

“All the frameworks and resources in the world will not succeed without trust and political will among us.  We have to continue reinforcing the mindset that we are one global Pacific family navigating the same ocean,” he stressed.

Aqorau explained that this means consulting each other on issues affecting the region, honouring regional agreements, and ensuring that no country is left behind.

He stated that Solomon Islands, including other bigger Melanesian countries must demonstrate their support to smaller island nations with vast EEZs.

 “Larger countries like mine and Melanesia must ensure we support our smaller neighbors who have huge exclusive economic zones but limited capacity. Conversely, when any one of us faces undue external pressure, we should be prepared to stand in solidarity,” Aqorau said.

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