Overview:
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. wants Pacific leaders to agree on a fixed annual date for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, saying predictable scheduling could improve attendance and help the region speak with one voice.
By Elilai Rengiil
KOROR, Palau (August 30, 2026) — Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting Chair and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. wants Pacific leaders to consider setting a fixed annual date for the Forum, saying predictable scheduling could improve attendance and strengthen regional unity.
“It’s pretty hard to speak with one voice if they’re not here,” Whipps said when asked about the possible absence of Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Naoero President David Adeang from the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.
Whipps said he had not received an update on whether Rabuka or Adeang would attend.
“I don’t know. I haven’t had any update,” he said.
All Pacific Islands Forum leaders are invited to the annual meeting, but Whipps acknowledged that domestic political and parliamentary commitments can sometimes prevent leaders from traveling.
He said no previous Forum meeting has had every leader in attendance, but the region should work toward greater participation by making it easier for leaders to plan around the annual gathering.
Whipps said the Forum has been held at different times of the year, including July, August, September and October. Establishing a regular date would give governments more certainty and allow them to reserve the meeting on their national calendars well in advance.
“I want to bring up with the leaders fixing a date, as to when we would have a Forum so that everybody can plan yearly,” Whipps said.
He said a fixed date could help the Pacific Islands Forum develop the same kind of predictable annual participation seen in other regional organizations.
“That’s the way to build it so that it becomes like ASEAN, that every leader is able to be there because it’s at a time that everybody agrees to,” he said.
Whipps’ proposal comes as Pacific leaders gather in Palau for the annual Forum meeting, where regional priorities and collective action are being discussed.
The proposal would require Forum members to agree on a regular time each year that accommodates the political and parliamentary calendars of member governments.
Whipps said the goal is ultimately to ensure that as many Forum leaders as possible can be present to make decisions and speak collectively on issues affecting the Pacific.