Our Unity is our Dignity and Strength: PM Rabuka

“We are facing existential security threats whether it be the climate crisis, epidemics, terrorism, transnational organised crime or challenges such as labour mobility, economic fragility, retreat of democracy while managing competing geo-political interests.”

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka shared these sentiments in his national statement delivered at the Forum Leaders Plenary Session in Tonga this morning.

PM Rabuka added that the Pacific is a very different place now compared to twenty years ago.

“Today security, as noted by the Boe Declaration, is not just understood in military terms, but is also in terms of human security, economic, health, land, housing, law and order, rising sea level and the climate crisis.”

“With our individual relative isolation and smallness, these challenges are insurmountable. Our hope is in the collective.”

PM Rabuka said even in the most perfect of families, members have different perspectives and wants.

“The reason we argue is because we care so much for one another that we will not let anything slip through.”

“Nothing must come in between us; not even rising sea levels.”

PM Rabuka emphasised that a combined Pacific voice rings loud and echoes afar, “Our unity is our dignity and strength”, he said.