The second Pacific Dialogue on Security and Geopolitics in the Pacific was held on 2-3 December 2024 at the USP Laucala Campus in Suva, Fiji and brought together over 30 academics, researchers, government, regional and civil society representatives.
The event is part of the Track Two dialogue initiated by the University, in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), to support the calls for collective action in managing the regional security environment.
USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, while welcoming participants to the event highlighted that Track Two dialogue played a crucial role in building trust, familiarity and confidence between officials, academics and civil society.
“USP, as a valued member of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) family and host of the Pacific Dialogue, plays an important convening role within the region and is therefore pleased to bring together officials and academics from across the Pacific to discuss issues of critical importance to the Pacific as we navigate this increasingly challenging geopolitical environment.,” he said.
“At last year’s inaugural Dialogue, it was agreed there is a need for such a mechanism to discuss security issues within the regional architecture that adds to the regional and national conversations about security. This Track Two process therefore contributes to the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, in particular its peace and security pillar.”
Professor Ahluwalia added that this year’s Pacific Dialogue will see the introduction of several new initiatives, including a Youth Dialogue and commissioned discussion papers on selected issues arising from the Dialogue. Two former Secretary Generals of PIFS were also present in the two day event.
British High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Dr Brian Jones also delivered remarks at the opening and reiterated the importance of fostering collaboration among Pacific nations to amplify their collective voice on security and sovereignty issues.
He commended the “Ocean of Peace” concept as a promising framework for regional unity and emphasised the UK’s supportive role in facilitating dialogue.
Expressing optimism for the discussions ahead, he acknowledged the contributions of participants and organisers in their collective efforts to shape a peaceful future for the Pacific.
The two-day Pacific Dialogue also focused on crisis management mechanisms the Pacific has – or needs to have – to enable an Ocean of Peace in the face of escalating conflict.
