/ 12 July 2022

Our fractured Pacific family

Image source: Getty
Image source: Getty

THE SQUIZ
Just as the Pacific Islands family leaders are to assemble in Fiji today for an important get-together, one member said it isn’t coming and has pulled its membership altogether. Kiribati President Taneti Maamau says it’s his nation’s “sovereign decision” to withdraw from the Pacific Islands Forum, adding that it “was never meant to offend or be against any of our Pacific Island brothers and sisters”. The dispute centres on concerns that the region’s premier political and economic policy organisation has not addressed the concerns of Micronesian countries, including Kiribati, about “equity, equality and inclusiveness”. PM Anthony Albanese called Kiribati’s decision “unfortunate”, while Kiwi leader Jacinda Ardern said keeping the family together was “critical” given the challenges we face as a region.

WHAT’S THAT ABOUT?
Good question because this is a bit more involved than when a family member decides not to come to Christmas because someone offended their latest girlfriend at Uncle Jay’s birthday BBQ… So, the region comprises nations from Micronesia, Polynesia and Melanesia. Last year, Micronesian leaders arched up because their candidates had not been selected for leadership of the Pacific Islands Forum for years – including the breaking of a “gentlemen’s agreement” for one of theirs to be made the new secretary-general at the start of 2021. That led the leaders of Nauru, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia to say they were done with the Forum. Since then, work has gone into smoothing the Pacific waters – including formulating the ‘Suva Agreement’ to address the issues raised. But Kiribati’s President says they weren’t consulted, so they’re out.

WHY IS THIS A BIG DEAL?
Because the region is under enormous pressure, and the Pacific Islands Forum is where nations come together. Kiribati might have a population of 120,000, but it has an international profile as one of the first nations that could disappear under rising sea levels due to climate inaction. There are also the questions of regional security and China’s interest in getting closer to Pacific Island nations that would benefit from a united front. Australia and New Zealand are members of the Forum, and we’d like to be their partner of choice on security or whatever they need – so it’s a big meeting. PM Albanese will attend from tomorrow – he’s tied up in Sydney today talking about energy with international ministers.

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