PIFS leans on ASEAN model as it retools for a changing region

Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIFS) are undertaking a significant redesign of the region's political and security mechanisms. The goal is to bolster unity, effectively manage external pressures, and ensure the 2050 Strategy receives the necessary institutional support to succeed.

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The objective, he suggested, was to create a regional vision that is “values-based,” “people-centred” and anchored in “unity and solidarity.”

Esala Nayasi, the Forum's Deputy Secretary-General for Strategic Policy & Programming, emphasized that the 2050 Strategy is intended as a practical framework, not just a slogan. It aims to define Pacific regionalism through values and concrete actions, fostering a vision that is "values-based," "people-centred," and grounded in "unity and solidarity." This strategy emerged from a period of strain, including Fiji's 2019 return after suspension and the subsequent withdrawal of five members in 2020, highlighting the need for a robust architecture to support regional objectives.

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It is in response to some of these issues that we as a region not only need to reflect but also respond to particularly challenges that we face.

A key focus of the current review is the management of partnerships. PIFS is adopting a simplified two-tier model, inspired by ASEAN's tiered engagement, distinguishing between "strategic partners" and "development partners." This aims to give leaders greater control over regional relationships and expectations. The decision is expected to be presented to leaders in Palau this year, potentially centralizing partnership management under a unified regional approach.

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The 2050 Strategy, he added, was designed to define “regionalism” at a moment when Pacific leaders had to decide what it meant to us as a region and as a people.

The Forum is also examining its security architecture, which currently comprises nine regional organizations and over 21 agencies. The lack of a dedicated ministerial meeting for peace and security is a significant gap. Nayasi posed the question of how to unify these diverse convenings and capabilities for a cohesive approach. Leaders are anticipated to address this issue this year, with PIFS again looking to ASEAN for lessons on effective regional security coordination.

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We have decided through the leaders that we only have two tiers: strategic partners and development partners.