Pacific warned against foreign influence on ocean agenda

Pacific leaders and civil society representatives have been cautioned to remain alert to the increasing influence of external powers on the region's ocean agenda. Dame Meg Taylor, former Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, stated that the Pacific's growing strategic significance to major global players like the United States and China is placing new pressures on regional unity and self-determination.

Speaking at a World Ocean Day event in Suva, Dame Meg emphasized the need for Pacific nations to constantly scrutinize the driving forces behind regional initiatives and international partnerships. She highlighted the region's historical efforts to assert control over its ocean resources and governance, underscoring the importance of maintaining a focus on Pacific priorities.

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The Pacific has become strategically significant to the United States, China and their respective allies in ways that were not true a generation ago

Rev James Bhagwan also addressed the gathering, advocating for enhanced protection and respect for the ocean. He described World Ocean Day as a reminder to look beyond the familiar and embrace a renewed relationship with the ocean, starting from the deep waters beyond the reef to the lagoons and islands that form their homes. The event convened faith leaders, civil society organizations, policymakers, and regional stakeholders to deliberate on ocean governance and stewardship across the Pacific.

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Ocean’s Day reminds us in reimagining to go beyond what we know and what we think, and particularly into a renewed relationship with the ocean. And first is deep water from beyond the reef, the water that connects our lagoons, our islands, our homes.