Overview:
Australia is stepping up its support for Palau as the country prepares to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting on Aug. 30. The assistance package includes logistical and financial support, 24 security vehicles, new police uniforms, event security planning, additional Qantas flights and cybersecurity assistance. Around 120 Pacific police officers will also deploy to Palau, marking the largest-ever deployment under the Pacific Policing Initiative.
19 August 2026
With the Opening Ceremony of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting less than two weeks away, Australia is proud to announce a package of support to assist with Palau’s preparations as incoming Forum Chair and host.
At the request of the Government of Palau, and consistent with support provided to previous hosts, Australia is providing a comprehensive package of assistance, including:
- logistical and financial support to the Ministry of State to assist with the successful delivery of hosting arrangements, as well as support Palau’s engagement in the United Nations and other regional meetings as Forum Chair;
- provision of 24 new security vehicles to support safe and secure Bureau of Public Safety operations;
- provision of new uniforms for the Bureau of Public Safety;
- major event security planning support, to assist with ensuring a safe Leaders’ meeting for all attendees;
- two additional Palau Paradise Express return flights, operated by Qantas, to help Pacific officials travel to and from the Leaders’ Meeting; and
- cyber security assistance through the Cyber RAPID program, to ensure a secure Leaders’ Meeting, as well as providing enduring cyber security capability, infrastructure and skills.
Australia’s Ambassador to Palau, H.E. Toby Sharpe in announcing the package, acknowledged it was a practical demonstration of the Pacific way in action. “As members of the Pacific Islands Forum, we are proud to stand alongside Palau in ensuring this year’s Leaders’ meeting is a success. Hosting Leaders is a significant responsibility, and it is also an act of regional service. Australia commends the Government of Palau for the care, commitment and leadership it is bringing to this task. Its efforts will ensure PIF Leaders will be a safe and secure regional event that promotes Palau’s regional leadership.”
In addition, security at the Leaders’ Meeting will be supported by a deployment of around 120 Pacific police officers through the Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG), which is financially supported by Australia. This builds on the success of PPSG support delivered during the Pacific Mini Games in Palau in 2025. This will be the largest ever deployment under the Pacific Policing Initiative and is a practical demonstration of Pacific-led security cooperation in action.