BY NED GAGAHE

Co-Chair of the National Organising Committee, Colin Beck says Solomon Islands is entering a “historic chapter” as it prepares to welcome regional leaders for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM), scheduled for September 8–12 in Honiara.

This year will be the third time the country is hosting the prestigious event.

The first time the country hosted the event was in 1979, second time in 1992, and now, 33 years later, Solomon Islands takes the centre stage once again.

Speaking at the radio talk back show on SIBC, Sunday, Colin Beck, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) and Co-Chair of the National Organising Committee, highlighted the significance of this event for the country and the broader Pacific region.

“The world has changed, and so has the nature of our regional conversations. The Forum’s agenda is deeper, the issues more pressing, but our shared Pacific values of unity and cooperation remain strong,” Beck said.

He said the official theme of this year’s Forum, “Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific,” captures the urgent need for Pacific nations to come together to address shared challenges such as climate change, economic resilience, and regional security.

Beck explained that the theme is rooted in the spirit of kinship, mutual care, and a call for action over rhetoric, as the region continues to navigate a complex global environment.

He said the 2025 Forum logo features a “Te Puke”, the iconic traditional canoe representing Pacific navigation and leadership.

“It’s three sails symbolize people, collaboration, and direction, while the national colours blue, yellow, and green reflect our ocean, sun and beaches, and forests and biodiversity, respectively.

“This logo is not just a design. It is a tribute to our cultural heritage and a visual statement of our shared future as Oceania peoples,” Beck said.

Co-Chair Beck also confirmed that the Forum Leaders Meeting will be held at the National Sports City, located approximately six kilometres east of Honiara.

“The week-long programme begins on Sunday, September 7, with an interdenominational church service for leaders and delegates. The service is intended to give thanks to God for safe travels and to seek His wisdom for the discussions ahead.

On Monday, September 8, two key meetings will take place: the Small Island States Leaders’ Meeting and the Pacific ACP Leaders Meeting, both scheduled at the FFA Conference Centre.

The day will also feature the arrival of traditional canoes, including the Te Puke from Temotu and the Uto Ni Yalo from Fiji. In the evening, the official opening ceremony will be held and will be open to the public. During this event, Solomon Islands will officially assume the Forum Chairmanship from Tonga.

On Tuesday, September 9, will feature a series of dialogue sessions involving regional CROP (Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific) agencies, the private sector, and civil society organisations, with focus on an inclusive regional engagement.

The Leaders’ Plenary Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, where leaders will engage in formal discussions to advance regional priorities under the Forum theme.

On Thursday, September 11, leaders will travel to the Western Province for the Leaders’ Retreat, to be held at Marina Hotel, Noro. This part of the programme will offer a more private setting for confidential dialogue among leaders.

Beck confirmed the forum concludes on Friday, September 12, when leaders will return to Honiara for the closing ceremony and the release of the final communique, summarizing the outcomes of the week’s discussions.

A spousal programme is also being arranged for spouses of the leaders.

Beck acknowledged the immense support of development partners including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, China, and others, as well as the Forum Secretariat.

“We are well into our preparations and confident in our ability to host a successful Forum. We thank our partners and call on our people to extend our traditional Solomon Islands hospitality to our Pacific neighbours,” he said.

As the host nation, Beck urged Solomon Islanders to follow the Forum’s progress closely and participate in public events such as the official opening ceremony.

“This is a proud moment for us as a nation. Let’s come together to welcome our leaders and show them the best of Solomon Islands,” Beck concluded.

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