Pacific Fisheries Ministers Focus On Ocean Future In Niue

“Are we standing strong together? It’s a thoughtful question to reflect on as we meet this week – how do we continue reinforcing our unity and shared purpose across the region?” said the Prime Minister of Niue, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, as he officially opened the 24th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting (FFCMIN24) and the 6th Regional Fisheries Ministers Meeting in Alofi, Niue.

Hosted by the Government of Niue and coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the meeting brings together regional Fisheries Ministers and senior officials to chart a sustainable future for Pacific fisheries.

In welcoming Ministers from FFA’s Member countries, the Prime Minister said, “I am honoured to have you here. We don’t often host such regional gatherings in Niue, but I encourage you to support us - at least one Ministerial meeting here a year. Until then, I can’t say we’re truly achieving the collective regionalism we always speak of.”

He encouraged delegates to be bold, reminding them: “We believe in what you do. Our job as leaders is to endorse, to support, and to ensure our Blue Pacific Continent is well served by all of us together.”

Outgoing Chair, Ms. Erana Aliklik of Nauru, congratulated the incoming Chair and Minister for Natural Resources, Hon. Mona Ainu’u, saying,"I now hand over the paddle of leadership to our incoming chair, Hon. Minister Mona, with full confidence that, together, we will continue steering our Pacific forward with strength, vision, and unity. Through Pacific solidarity, our voices are stronger, our actions more impactful, and our future more secure.”

Incoming Chair, Hon. Mona Ainu’u, reflected on the values guiding her leadership: “We are here for a reason - a good reason,” she said. “In the Pacific, we are ocean people. We live in the sea. We see the impacts of climate change and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) and the challenge is to link our traditional knowledge and modern fisheries management to ensure sustainability of our tuna resources. This week, I hope we continue our conversations and chart a way forward -not just for us, but for the young people and the whole of society, who need to understand and protect our ocean.”

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