Region: No actions yet taken to implement the Ocean of Peace Declaration

On 11 September, Pacific leaders at the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) endorsed the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration. The Declaration is an initiative originally proposed by Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in 2023, aimed at preserving regional sovereignty amid heightened geopolitical tensions impacting the region. The Declaration seeks to safeguard regional stability, ensure environmental protection, and address climate change and natural disasters. PM Rabuka stated that the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration will be upheld together with the 2018 Boe Declaration.

Assessment: No actions to implement the Declaration have been outlined or taken to date. Although the Declaration sets the tone for regional initiatives regarding climate change and great power competition, bilateralism will almost certainly continue as the default method of foreign relations among Pacific island countries. Pacific leaders are very likely to verbally call on the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration when referring to new multilateral initiatives around climate resilience, drug trafficking, and support during natural disasters, but few formal frameworks for their execution are likely to eventuate in the next 12 months.

Sources: Apenisa Waqairadovu, “Blue Pacific united under "Ocean of Peace" banner,” FBC, September 11, 2025; “Ocean of Peace declaration endorsed at Pacific Leaders meeting in Honiara,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs, September 11, 2025; “Pacific Leaders Commit to Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration,” SIG, September 11, 2025.