Solomon Islands, Fiji – Pacific leaders have formally endorsed the Ocean of Peace Declaration, a visionary initiative first proposed by Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in 2023, signaling a renewed commitment to regional unity and security.
The historic moment took place at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara, where the Fiji government presented a whale’s tooth—the highest token of respect and gratitude—to Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremaiah Manele.
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Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted the importance of unity as the region faces mounting challenges. “Today, I’m mindful that I appear before you as, perhaps, a diminishing group of a generation of Pacific leaders, tasked with the time-honoured tradition of nurturing and cementing vanua relationships or the Veiwekani Vakavanua, Land, Fanua or Whenua links and ties. This tradition is the anchor of our vuvale, our people, history, and unique cultures,” he said.
Rabuka underscored the range of existential threats confronting the Pacific, from climate change and epidemics to terrorism, transnational crime, and geopolitical pressures. He stressed that these challenges are insurmountable individually but manageable through regional solidarity. “Our hope is in the collective. Nothing must come between us, not even economic interests or the rising seas. A combined Pacific voice rings loud and echoes afar. Our unity is our dignity and strength,” he said.
Climate change, Rabuka warned, remains the most urgent threat. “The call to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is not just a target—it is a lifeline. For us, this is neither about politics nor a mere scientific debate. It is a matter of survival, and our survival is not negotiable,” he said. He also cautioned against weakening the multilateral system, noting that rules and order are essential for justice and peace, especially for small island states.
The Ocean of Peace Declaration, Rabuka said, embodies Pacific values and a shared commitment to peace. “Today, Pacific leaders have spoken with clarity and authority. Leaders have declared that their home, the Blue Pacific Continent, is an Ocean of Peace. The world knows that we, the Pasifika people, mean business, and it starts here, with us.”
Rabuka highlighted that the initiative followed extensive consultations across the Pacific, spanning two years and 24 days from August 16, 2023, to September 10, 2025. The declaration, he said, allows Pacific nations to affirm that their homes, waters, food sources, livelihoods, and development aspirations are free from coercion. “By this declaration, we have declared and secured this right. The Pacific as an Ocean of Peace creates the opportunity for our unique cultures and peoples to thrive in safety and harmony,” he said.
He also urged leaders to consider future generations. “Our silence must never be misread for emptiness or weakness. While we might be small, our determination and faith in the God we serve are the very source of our being and resolve. Together, as Pacific nations, we must ensure that our ocean remains a source of life and harmony for generations to come.”
The declaration emphasizes adherence to principles enshrined in the UN Charter, with Rabuka stressing that unity within the Forum family is essential for its success. “The Forum family is called upon to live by values reflecting peace as one of the highest virtues. We are the demonstration of the principles we advocate, and the Pacific Way is the fountain and platform on which we stand,” he said.
Following the signing, Pacific leaders will travel to Munda for the Forum Leaders’ retreat, set to conclude on Friday. Prime Minister Rabuka will not attend the retreat as he returns to Fiji, with Minister for Infrastructure Ro Filipe Tuisawau representing him.
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