Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting Set in Tonga

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will join leaders from 17 other Pacific nations at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga from August 26-30, with a focus on pressing regional issues such as climate change, security, and development. Luxon emphasized New Zealand's commitment to unity and collaboration in addressing these challenges, while Foreign Minister Winston Peters reiterated the importance of strengthening relationships within the region. The forum's agenda highlights the urgency of climate action amidst a 'polycrisis' affecting the Pacific, as articulated by Fiji's Prime Minister. Attendees will also discuss geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and China, which have increased outside interest in the region. The forum, founded in 1971, aims to create collective responses to these issues, with a concerted push towards implementation rather than mere policy discussion. Secretary General Baron Waqa underscored the need for immediate climate action as the meeting approaches, highlighting the importance of resilience in the face of ongoing development challenges.