The Polynesian Leaders Group (PLG) is meeting in Apia, Samoa today with a specific focus on empowering Polynesia through regional innovation, infrastructural cooperation and resilience.
In his opening remarks, Tonga interim Prime Minister and chair of the 7th PLG, ‘Akilisi Pohiva reminded the meeting to pursue firm and action-oriented decisions and platforms for partnerships.
Pohiva said Polynesia is the smallest in development yet the largest in the world in the oceans they occupy.
“In our annual meeting we are reminded to pursue the uniqueness of Polynesia’s sustained heritage, culture, traditional knowledge and information of which we have the privilege of diversity and continuity in maintaining our sovereign states.”
“In the spirit of regionalism the PIF is taking leadership in pursuing issues that have been long common and central to the survival of our islands nations such as climate change, social economic development and political stability.”
Pohiva said platforms like the Pacific Islands Development Forum are now also dedicating itself to the issues more prominently.
The PLG comprises French Polynesia, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Wallis and Futuna, Tokelau.
Wallis and Futuna was today welcomed as the newest member of the PLG.
Some of the items for discussion at the meeting are bids by both Samoa and Tonga to host the PLG Secretariat, regional airline and a Pacific climate change insurance facility.