Minister for Climate Change Ralph Regenvanu is in Palau representing Vanuatu at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, which begins today.

The Forum Leaders’ Meeting is being held in Koror from 31 August to 4 September 2026, bringing Pacific leaders and representatives together to discuss key regional priorities and challenges.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat is not attending this year’s meeting as he is in Maewo for the LPV party congress.

Minister Regenvanu is representing Vanuatu as Forum leaders consider issues affecting the region, including regional security, geopolitics and the need to strengthen Pacific cooperation and unity.

Several Pacific leaders have been confirmed as absent from this year’s meeting. The list includes the leaders of Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa and New Caledonia, while the attendance of some other leaders had also been uncertain.

The absence of several leaders comes as the Pacific Islands Forum continues to face challenges in maintaining consensus on sensitive regional and geopolitical issues.

PIF decisions are made by consensus, making participation and collective engagement important as Pacific countries work towards common regional positions.

The 55th Forum Leaders’ Meeting will provide an opportunity for Pacific leaders and representatives to discuss shared priorities and strengthen cooperation across the region.

Photo credit: TMC Palau/Pasifika TV/Stefan Armbruster