REMARKS: Forum Chair, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, at PIFLM53 Leaders Plenary

•    Colleague Leaders,
•    Representatives of our Forum Observers
•    Heads of CROP Agencies 
•    Ladies and Genetlmen

•    Malo e lelei and welcome to the third day of our considerations at this fifty-third Pacific Islands Forum.

•    I thank you for the very robust and engaging discussions had over the last two days.

•    I acknowledge in particular the very valuable discussions had with the UN Secretary General and the resolute support we have received from his Office, namely:

1.    To support the advocacy for the capitalisation of the Pacific Resilience Facility;
2.  To continue to work on the international financing system and to push for the integration of the recently adopted Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index;
3. To support our call for the elevation of the issue of climate-change related sea level rise and in particular, to work towards placing it as a standing agenda item at the United Nations.

•    I also acknowledge the work of our CROP agencies, as well as the valuable discussions had with the Civil Society and Private Sector.

•    I also acknowledge the observer organisations and partners who continue to support our priorities under the 2050 Strategy.

•    This morning, we will turn to our regional priorities and issues. We will consider the key items that have been put forward by our respective Officials.

•    This conversation will further inform our Retreat discussions tomorrow.

•    I am very pleased that we have been able to set the agenda in a manner that allows us the space and time to have the required political discussions at our Retreat.

•    Colleague Leaders, I am hopeful that after the next two days we will be able to present a communique to the world that encapsulated the theme that we have set for a: Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now.

•    Malo au'pito.