The Pacific is vast, but if one thing is clear from the Pacific Islands Forum 2026, it is that its island nations are anything but small in shaping global discourse. The delegation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands had the honor to witness firsthand how leaders pushed the agenda on important issues: from sustainable development to trade and regional security, the Pacific is at the heart of some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We are grateful to Palau for its kind invitation to the Pacific Islands Forum and the warm welcome by the Honorary Consul. 

Leaders agreed on a new mechanism for dialogue partners. The PIF has more dialogue partners than members. For the Forum to function effectively, a more streamlined process that algins with Pacific priorities was needed. The new mechanism is an important step for the PIC to engage with partners in a transparent and accountable way. The Netherlands will continue to engage with the Pacific island countries by bringing our unique expertise on water and climate adaptation to help achieve the goals set by the PIF under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. 

The Palau Leaders Meeting marked a modest but important step toward the institutionalization and regionalization of security cooperation. Leaders agreed in principle to bring the Pacific Police Ministers Meeting into the Forum architecture and to formally recognize the Joint Heads of Pacific Security within the regional peace and security system. The PIF is gradually developing a more structured regional security architecture of its own to deal with challenges such as transnational organized crime and climate security.

Pacific leaders adopted the BELAU Declaration on urgent climate action to keep 1.5°C within reach. Leaders welcomed the ICJ Advisory Opinion on states’ obligations in relation to climate change, called for more ambitious NDCs, faster transition away from fossil fuels, and progress towards 100% renewable energy. They also called for stronger integration of ocean issues into UN climate negotiations and emphasize the role of gender in climate decision-making, implementation and finance. These are issues that are close to heart for the Netherlands as host country for the ICJ and co-host of the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels held in April 2026.

As an EU Member State, the Netherlands is pleased to witness the strengthening of regionalization in the Pacific first hand. President Whipps Jr. of Palau said: “On every Palauan bai [a traditional Palauan meeting house], we paint the mesekuuk, the surgeonfish. Alone, they forage quietly across the reef. But when danger comes, they do not scatter. They come together. And in that unity, they are strongest.” Indeed, strength, unity and cooperation are required to meet ever-growing challenges, both in the Pacific, as well as the EU.