REMARKS: Opening Remarks by President of Kiribati, H.E. Taneti Maamau, at the Small Island States Leaders Meeting

•    Colleague Leaders of the Smaller Island States and your distinguished delegations
•    Representatives of our CROP Agencies
•    Ladies and Gentlemen

•    Mauri.

•    It is my deep honour to assume the Chair of the Smaller Island States at this important moment in our collective journey and I thank you all for your confidence and support in this role.

•    Before I proceed, allow me to express my heartfelt sympathy and solidarity to President Heine and the people of Republic of the Marshall Islands, following the devastating fire at the RMI Parliament as well as the recent passing of former President Christopher Loeak.

•    We hold you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

•    Colleagues,

•    This is the first meeting of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders week.

•    The unity and clarity of purpose that we show here will set the tone for the rest of our deliberations in Honiara, including when Leaders gather for their Retreat later this week to consider the High-Level Political Talanoa report as well as the Leaders' Policy on Partnerships.

•    The Smaller Island States have long been recognised as the most vulnerable members of the Forum family. Since 1984, our Leaders have insisted that our voices be heard, and our priorities respected. Yet we know that recognition is never automatic. It must continually be renewed, championed, and backed by clear political choices.

•    As alluded to by President Simina, our officials have worked to crystallise key priority actions for the SIS. The onus now is on us to work closely with the CROP to ensure that we are able to advance these priorities in meaningful ways.

•    Colleagues,

•    Our discussions today carry weight well beyond this room. They will shape the visibility of the Smaller Island States in the broader Forum deliberations this week, and they will send a signal to our partners and to the international community.

•    If we are bold and united, the SIS will not only endure as a grouping, but will lead in showing how vulnerability can be transformed into political strength.

•    With those words, I look forward to our dialogue and invite the Secretary General to deliver his remarks.