Strengthening Pacific Unity, Visibility and Coordinated Action
2026-03-18 - 21:45
New York | 18 March 2026. Pacific leaders and representatives convened for a PIFS debrief following CSW70, bringing together PIFS, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Samoa, with reflections also acknowledging Palau. The session reflected on key achievements, gaps, and priorities to strengthen coordination for future global engagement. Key Reflections: • Unified Pacific voice collective positioning continues to strengthen global influence. • Visibility is critical as highlighted by Tonga, Pacific priorities must be clearly seen and heard. • Side events matter Palau acknowledged their value in elevating Pacific narratives. • Stronger UN engagement more targeted bilateral meetings with UN agencies are needed. • Deeper coordination including Senior Officials Working Groups and virtual Ministerial engagement. • One Pacific approach strengthened alignment across PIFS, countries, and Missions. Communications: • Improve media visibility through a coordinated PIFS communications block for real-time coverage. • Strengthen gender responsive language and positioning. • Enhance support to Permanent Missions as key amplifiers. • Samoa acknowledged for communications leadership, with a proposal for regional GESI media training towards 2027. Way Forward: • Establish a PIFS pre-departure roundtable. • Strengthen joint Pacific side events. • Enhance PIFS country mission coordination. • Move towards real-time, unified Pacific communications. Samoa Reflection | CSW70 At CSW70, Samoa stood with the Pacific as one voice united in purpose, grounded in partnership, and focused on impact. Key highlights: • Unity matters a collective Pacific voice is shaping global conversations. • Partnerships deliver collaboration is driving progress. • Strategies must evolve from dialogue to action at the frontlines. Samoa also highlighted the need for better coordination of high-level speaking opportunities, noting instances where intervention were cut short, and emphasizing the importance of fair and well-managed representation. We acknowledge Solomon Islands, as Chair of PIFS, for its leadership. Looking ahead: Samoa calls for bold, coordinated Pacific action, including ensuring youth and persons with disabilities are meaningfully at the table.