REMARKS: Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, at the Honiara Summit on Pacific Islands Response to SDG14.4

Honourable Leaders,
Ministers,
Distinguished Panelists, 
CROP Heads
Esteemed Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a privilege to address you today at the Honiara Summit, where we gather to discuss the critical issue of sustainable fisheries management under SDG14.4. As we convene to deliberate on "Pacific Regional Cooperation," I am reminded of the profound connection our Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have with the ocean. Our dependence on fisheries is not merely economic but deeply cultural and existential.

Our Pacific SIDS are surrounded by vast oceanic resources, with fisheries playing a pivotal role in our economies and livelihoods. Over 80% of government revenue in some of our states is derived from tuna fisheries . In 2022, the fisheries sector contributed approximately USD 3.2 billion to the GDP of Pacific Island countries . This dependence underscores the importance of regionally agreed sustainable management practices to ensure the sustainability of these resources for future generations.

In this regard, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts and commitments or our regional organizations, including the WCPFC. All your efforts, and the respective roles you play has all led to where we are today. As we have also heard since yesterday, there are emerging challenges, that now requires us to collaborate more than ever before. Im sure the panelists will be able to elaborate on collaborative solutions moving forward.

The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific is our roadmap for a resilient and sustainable future. In the Strategy, Leaders committed to: (i) deepen our collective responsibility and stewardship of the Blue Pacific Continent; (ii) protect our sovereignty and jurisdiction over our maritime zones and resources, including in response to climate change induced sea level rise, and (iii) strengthen our ownership and management of our resources. 

Our collaborative efforts supported by scientific research and policy advice through regional bodies such as the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, the Western and Central Pacific Commission and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement have set global benchmarks for sustainable fisheries management. The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have also played a pivotal role by amplifying the voices of Pacific to the rest of the world through the communiques and declarations concerning the health of the oceans and sustainable fisheries development initiatives.

Regional solidarity and cooperation are the cornerstones of our success. The collective action of our member states has enabled us to address complex fisheries issues effectively. By working together, we have strengthened our negotiating power on the global stage and ensured that the benefits of our fisheries are shared among our people. This solidarity is more crucial than ever as we face the challenges of climate change and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU). 

Despite our achievements, we face significant challenges in ensuring the sustainability of our fisheries. Climate change is altering the distribution and migratory patterns of tuna stocks, threatening the economic stability of our SIDS. Overfishing, driven by IUU fishing operators continue to pose serious threats to the sustainability of our marine ecosystems. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.

The scourge of IUU fishing on the marine ecosystem, our economies and on the livelihoods of our coastal communities must be curtailed. Studies have shown that USD35.4 billion  were provided as subsidies to private fishing enterprises for capacity-enhancing. We have a golden opportunity to address and curb harmful fisheries subsidies by supporting the work of the World Trade Organisation. I echo the call by our Leaders  by encouraging all WTO Forum Members to work together to conclude the remaining pillars of the fisheries subsidies negotiations of overcapacity and overfishing.

I urge all Forum Members, distant water fishing nations, international and regional institutions to reaffirm your commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable fisheries management within our region. Let us strengthen our collaborative efforts, share knowledge and resources, and support each other in implementing SDG14.4 and by extension, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a prosperous blue Pacific for all Pacific Islanders.

In conclusion, let us work hand in hand to ensure that our fisheries remain a source of sustenance and prosperity for generations to come.

I thank you all.