UN Secretary General António Guterres is set to attend the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga this week, focusing on climate change in the region. With the Pacific being one of the most vulnerable regions to rising sea levels and temperature changes, key decisions will be made during the summit, including possibly endorsing a regional policing initiative. Other major issues to be addressed include the future of New Caledonia and the need for more financial support for climate and disaster initiatives.
Leaders from 18 member countries, including Australia and New Zealand, will attend the summit amid increasing geopolitical tensions and competition for influence in the region. Guterres highlighted the urgent need to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius to protect the Pacific from extreme weather events.
The situation in New Caledonia, following deadly violence over voting rights expansion plans by France, has also drawn attention. French President Louis Mapou requested a postponement of a high-level visit by Pacific leaders, underscoring the challenges of navigating New Caledonia’s dual status as a Pif member and French territory.
The summit comes at a time of growing interest from global powers like the US and China, both of which are actively engaging with Pacific countries to strengthen economic and security partnerships. Maintaining regional solidarity on key issues, such as deep-sea mining, remains a challenge for the forum.
As Pacific leaders gather to address these critical issues, the world will be watching closely to see how the region navigates increasing challenges from climate change and geopolitical tensions.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
