Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum
Small Island States Leaders Meeting
8th September 2025 - Honiara, Solomon Islands
• His Excellency, President Maamau, Chair of the Smaller Island States,
• Colleague Leaders,
• Distinguished delegates,
• Ladies and Gentlemen,
• Ekamawir omo and warm greetings to you all.
• At the outset, allow me to thank you, Mr Chair, for your welcome remarks, and to congratulate you on assuming the Chairmanship of the Smaller Island States.
• I also join you in conveying our solidarity to the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, in light of the recent events. It is a reminder to us all of the fragility of our systems and the resilience required of our people.
• Honourable Leaders,
• The SIS group has always held a special place within the Forum family. It is a political expression of our solidarity as the smallest and most vulnerable members, and a reminder that our regional architecture must serve all equally, especially those with the least capacity but the greatest need.
• Your senior officials met in Suva last month and provided valuable guidance for your discussions today. Building on their work, the agenda before you covers 3 substantive issues:
1) The Review of the SIS Group and Strategy, along with recommendations for four priority areas, aims to sharpen our focus moving forward.
2) The Expression of Interest by the Government of Tonga for SIS membership, a matter of solidarity and inclusivity.
3) The revitalisation of the SIS Development Fund, to strengthen self-reliance and visibility.
• Excellencies and Honourable Prime Ministers,
• Each of these items is about more than process. They go to the heart of how the SIS will organise, advocate, and lead in the years ahead. They will determine how we embed our priorities within the 2050 Strategy, and how we mobilise the regional system and our partners to respond in ways that match our circumstances.
• As your Secretary General, I am committed to ensuring that the Secretariat stands firmly behind you in this effort. We will continue to provide the technical support, the policy advice, and the political space for your voices to be elevated and your decisions acted upon.
• With those few words, Mr Chair, I once again thank you for your leadership, and I wish our deliberations every success.
• Tubwa kor and I thank you.
