The representatives of France, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, French Polynesia, the Republic of Fiji, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, the Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis, and Futuna attended the 5th France-Oceania Summit held virtually on Monday.
During the Summit, the representatives expressed solidarity and reaffirmed the unity of the Pacific nations, besides discussing issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and sustainable development. In addition, they agreed to strengthen Pacific regionalism as one “Blue Pacific” and welcomed efforts to develop the “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent” as per the framework of Pacific regionalism. France and the European Union also recognised themselves as dialogue and development partners with the Pacific Island regions.
In the aftermath of the socio-economic crisis caused by the pandemic, the representatives reviewed the delayed progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and expressed concerns over the exacerbation of existing inequalities within and between the participating nations. In this regard, the countries recognised the importance of sustainable financing that would allow small Pacific Island nations inclusive and sustainable growth, in line with the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement. Moreover, the representatives “acknowledge[d] the need for investment that promotes fair and open competition and upholds quality standards while ensuring developing countries’ debt sustainability.”
While recalling the previous declarations such as the Boe Declaration, the Kainaki II Declaration on Urgent Climate Change Action Now, the Taputapuatea Declaration, and the Vemööre Declaration, the nations recognised the threat climate change poses to biodiversity, regional stability, food security, and public health. In this regard, the countries agreed to promote joint efforts to “combat climate change, halt the loss of biodiversity and address the climate-ocean nexus.” They also reiterated their support for the successful implementation of the forthcoming 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference in October-November (COP 26). Ahead of COP 26, the representatives called on countries that have not yet determined strategies “to limit the global average temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.” Additionally, they asked developed countries to meet the “collective finance commitment” by considering the needs of the developing members.
To counter climate change during post-pandemic recovery, the representatives recognised the importance of sustainable energy and reiterated joint efforts to accelerate the energy transition. They also discussed strategies to protect oceans and address the threats rising sea levels pose to regional security, peace, prosperity and development. Moreover, the representatives recognised the danger to ecosystems and marine ecosystems from plastic waste. In this regard, they decided to launch “intergovernmental negotiations of a global plastic binding agreement at the second session of the fifth United Nations Environment Assembly.”
Furthermore, the representatives discussed their commitments under the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty and the Convention for the Protection of the Natural Resources and Environment of the South Pacific Region, and focused on nature-based solutions to climate change and disasters. The nations also held talks on illegal fishing, the reinforcement of maritime surveillance, coastguard training, and participation in the Rugby World Cup 2023 and the 2024 Olympic Games in France.
In the end, the representatives stressed the importance of regional and indeed global solidarity to overcome the pandemic and support the timely and equitable distribution of vaccines to all Pacific nations, and looked forward to holding more discussions to strengthen the relationship between France and the Blue Pacific.
SUMMARY: 5th France, Oceania Summit
Representatives from France and Oceania discussed COVID-19, climate change, Pacific regionalism, and sustainable development at the 5th France-Oceania Summit held virtually on July 19.
July 20, 2021
SOURCE: REUTERS