HONIARA, Solomon Islands – Pacific Islands Forum leaders yesterday adopted the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration in Honiara, Solomon Islands, a landmark agreement that reaffirms the region’s commitment to peace, unity, and cooperation.
Speaking at the declaration ceremony, Solomon Islands Prime Minister and Chair of the Forum, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, emphasized the significance of the declaration, saying, “The Ocean of Peace Declaration is a reclamation of our sovereignty and our shared destiny”.
“It is a solemn vow that our seas, air, and lands will never again be drawn into the vortex of great power rivalry,” he said.
The declaration aims to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, while also addressing key challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and socio-economic issues.
“The Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration is a call for the Pacific to control its destiny, to place development at the center of our agenda for peace and free our people from want, from fear, and to live in dignity,” Prime Minister Manele emphasized.
Leaders further emphasized the importance of collective action and cooperation in achieving these goals.
The Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration also underscores the region’s commitment to a rules-based international system, nuclear-free status, and respect for sovereignty.
Prime Minister Manele noted that the declaration “binds us together as one Blue Pacific, strengthened by our diversity and inspired by our common heritage.”
“By declaring the Pacific as a nuclear-free region, a region committed to a rules-based international system that is aligned to international law, makes the region a predictable and reliable partner for peace,” Prime Minister Manele noted.
Leaders called for continued cooperation and unity in implementing the declaration, with Prime Minister Manele urging, “With the umi tugeda spirit, let us engage with all, trade with all, and work with all.”
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