From ‘Our Sea of Islands’ to the ‘Blue Pacific Continent’: Stewarding Pacific Regionalism Now and into the Future

Joel Nilon has spent the last 10 years working on issues that are at the heart of Pacific Regionalism. His presentation will explore the ongoing development and challenges of Pacific regionalism over the past decade, emphasising the significant issues Pacific Island Countries have united around, including climate change, ocean governance, environment and resource management, social inclusion, security, and economic issues. His presentation will also unpack the various shifts in framing and perspective, with a focus on the Blue Pacific Narrative, a strategic vision that grounds Pacific regionalism in the aspirations of Pacific peoples and their unique context, and calls for a more coherent, inclusive and impactful approach to regionalism. His presentation will also discuss why. despite the narrative's endorsement at the highest levels and efforts to integrate its principles across various sectors, the narrative has not yet achieved its full potential as a catalyst for deeper regionalism. Joel's presentation will conclude with recommendations for enhancing Pacific regionalism, focused around the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Review of Regional Architecture, to ensure that the region's development reflects the collective ambitions of its peoples.

Photo by Jovi Waqa on Unsplash