Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa (L) receives a gift from a representative of local ethnic group during the opening ceremony of the annual summit of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) held in Honiara, the Solomon Islands, Sept. 8, 2025. The annual summit of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) opened on Monday in Honiara, with spectacular cultural celebrations showcasing vibrant local traditions and a call for dialogue and unity. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
HONIARA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The annual summit of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) opened on Monday in Honiara, the Solomon Islands, with spectacular cultural celebrations showcasing vibrant local traditions and a call for dialogue and unity.
This striking display of music, dance, and traditional attire set a tone of shared identity for the week ahead as the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting was held here from Monday through Friday.
The Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, chair of the meeting, called for an open and meaningful dialogue in his speech at the opening ceremony on Monday evening.
"I am hopeful that over the course of this week, we will use our time together to talk story, to depend (on) how understanding of each other's perspectives, and more importantly, to find a way forward on the emerging challenges and opportunities on our horizon as a Blue Pacific Continent," Manele said.
He was referring to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which was endorsed by Pacific Islands Forum leaders in 2022 to serve as a long-term blueprint for the region's development.
This year's summit was held under the theme "Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent." In Solomon Islands Pijin, "iumi tugeda" means "you and me together" and is a phrase symbolizing unity and collective action.
Manele also expressed his gratitude to Pacific Islands Forum's partners and reaffirmed the value of the partnerships, saying they are "critical to the achievements of our aspirations."
In his speech, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa highlighted the significance of decisions ahead.
"The decisions before our leaders this week, framed throughout 2050 strategy, may have lasting implications on our region, from reaffirming the centrality of peace in our region to the establishment of our first regionally led financial institution, from strengthening of our regional system to the management of our strategic partnerships," he said.
Tongan Prime Minister Aisake Eke, the outgoing chair, also emphasized that climate action, sustainable development, and economic resilience remain at the heart of their commitments, guided by the 2050 strategy.
"We must continue to safeguard our regions through strong leadership, inclusive participation, and people-centered development," he said.
Founded in 1971, the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum aims to address pressing issues and challenges, and foster collaboration and cooperation between countries and territories of the Pacific region. ■
Local performers dance during the opening ceremony of the annual summit of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) held in Honiara, the Solomon Islands, Sept. 8, 2025.
The annual summit of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) opened on Monday in Honiara, with spectacular cultural celebrations showcasing vibrant local traditions and a call for dialogue and unity. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
The Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele speaks during the opening ceremony of the annual summit of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) held in Honiara, the Solomon Islands, Sept. 8, 2025.
The annual summit of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) opened on Monday in Honiara, with spectacular cultural celebrations showcasing vibrant local traditions and a call for dialogue and unity. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)