HONIARA, Solomon Islands — “Peace in the Pacific is not just the absence of war. It’s about people feeling safe in their homes, secure in their health, and confident in their future,” said Terio Koronawa, a senior policy adviser at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, as he explained the region’s new Ocean of Peace Declaration.

Pacific leaders are expected to sign the declaration in the coming days, formally committing to a regional understanding of peace and security that stretches beyond military concerns. Instead, the agreement focuses on challenges like climate change, health security, and economic stability — issues that leaders say directly affect the daily lives of Pacific Islanders.

“The Ocean of Peace tells the world who we are,” Koronawa said. “It is our Pacific worldview, and it sets our expectations for how partners should work with us — with respect for our values, our people, and our environment.”

What the Ocean of Peace Covers

First proposed by Fiji’s prime minister, the declaration has been refined through months of consultations with governments, civil society groups, and regional organizations. It emphasizes that peace comes from solving everyday problems — like protecting communities from rising seas, making healthcare more resilient, and ensuring livelihoods are secure.

The declaration also recognizes the often-overlooked work of women’s groups, churches, and other community organizations that have been driving peacebuilding efforts on the ground. Leaders say these groups will be better integrated into regional decision-making under the new plan.

Why It Matters to Citizens

For ordinary Pacific Islanders, the agreement could mean stronger regional cooperation on issues that affect daily life. That might look like better disaster responses, more coordinated health protections against pandemics, and joint economic strategies to cushion households from global price shocks.

It also sets expectations for outside powers operating in the Pacific. From resource extraction like deep-sea mining to geopolitical competition, the declaration makes clear that international partners are expected to respect Pacific priorities, especially environmental health.

Looking Ahead

The Ocean of Peace will sit alongside other regional frameworks, including a review of the Boe Declaration Action Plan and a new guidance note on women, peace, and security. Leaders also plan to develop an implementation plan to make sure governments and civil society are better connected.

Ultimately, Koronawa said, the declaration is about building a more proactive region. “If we can deal with insecurities in our communities — whether it’s from climate change, health, or the economy — then we are truly at peace,” he said.

Pacific leaders are expected to endorse the Ocean of Peace Declaration at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting this week.