Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders' Meeting in Solomon Islands from 10 to 11 September.
Prime Minister Albanese joined Pacific Leaders in signing the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty, establishing the first Pacific-led regional climate financing mechanism.
The Facility will provide small-scale grants to local communities to help them better prepare for and withstand the impacts of climate change. Australia is the largest capital contributor, having committed $100 million. The first call for grant proposals will go out to communities in 2026.
Pacific Leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment to Australia's bid to host a Pacific COP31. This will bring global attention to the Pacific's climate leadership and our region's unique challenges, and drive tangible action.
Australia stood with Pacific Leaders in declaring the Blue Pacific an Ocean of Peace, calling on the international community to respect Pacific-led approaches to peace and security.
Prime Minister Albanese met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to congratulate him on Solomon Islands' successful hosting of PIF, which Australia was proud to support. Prime Ministers also discussed the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force expansion partnership and announced the start of the design process for an Australian-funded police academy in Honiara.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
"The Pacific Islands Forum unites our region and makes us stronger - it is key to realising the vision of Pacific leaders for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
"Australia is a partner the region can count on. It is in our interests to foster a safe and resilient region that enables all our economies to grow and prosper together.
"The Pacific Resilience Facility is more than a fund, it is a promise to Pacific communities that they will not face climate threats alone.
"Our region is on the frontline of the climate crisis - this is the single largest threat to the livelihoods, culture and security of Pacific communities.
"The Ocean of Peace Declaration is a powerful statement of Pacific resolve, building on Prime Minister Rabuka's vision for a region of stability, prosperity and security."
