REMARKS: Pacific Islands Forum Chair, Hon Jeremiah Manele, to Regional Civil Society Organisations

· Colleague Leaders,

· Representatives of our Civil Society Organisations,

· Ladies and Gentlemen,

· Gud aftanun long iufala evriwan.

· Welcome to this third Leaders Dialogue for today with our friends from our civil society organisations across our Blue Pacific region. 

On behalf of my Colleague Leaders around the table this afternoon, allow me to welcome you all to Honiara. I understand that you represent a larger gathering of civil society representatives who have travelled across the region to join the engagements over the course of the week – welkam long iufala evriwan.

[Role of the Civil Society]

Indeed, the civil society play an integral role in the region as both a partner who ensures our regional commitments are translated into tangible actions and impact at the community level, and as a watchdog who holds political leadership accountable and fosters transparency.

And indeed, the challenges before us as a region requires solutions that are both visionary and grounded in the lived wisdom of our communities. 

Civil Society Organisations are not only partners but co-architects in this journey. Your voices amplify those often unheard and bring to the table practical, innovative solutions that governments alone cannot achieve.

[Leaders Dialogue with Civil Society]

This dialogue is an opportunity to listen to perspectives – we may not always agree but we must always be respectful of each other’s views and continue to find a way to work together in the interest of our Pacific people. · Indeed, the true measure of our progress is best seen not only in the decisions made by governments, but in the lived realities of our people. · It is in this spirit, that I encourage a rich and robust exchange this afternoon – as it can only inform a refined and resolution on the way forward around a number of our challenges as well as seizing emerging opportunities.

The Pacific’s future is not something to be decided in isolation, it is ours to shape, together, with courage, wisdom, and unity. With these words, I encourage us to engage with openness, candour, and the spirit of solidarity that defines our Blue Pacific Continent.