The unique sound of traditional drums thundered through Te Are Karioi, marking the opening ceremony of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting on Monday night.

Chair of the Forum, Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark Brown and Forum Leaders from the 18 member countries were welcomed to Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium) by the traditional pe’e followed by hearty songs by children, vibrant colour, chants and dance performed by Manihiki, Pukapuka, Atiu and cultural teams.

Two thousand people including over 600 delegates from overseas filled the auditorium with pride as Brown took to the stage for the opening address.

The theme for this year’s Leaders meeting is: Our Voices, Our Choices, Our Pacific Way: Promote, Partner, and Prosper.

“Now more than ever, we must ensure our Pacific voices are clear, our Pacific priorities are understood, and our engagements are built on true partnerships centred on mutual benefit that will deliver development outcomes for our people,” Brown said.

Brown assured that this same “Pacific Way” can deliver Pacific solutions that will respond to challenges that are unique to the Pacific.

“Throughout this week and beyond, Excellencies allow our Pacific Way to guide us as we navigate new challenges in a new global environment.

“More than ever, we must stand united, work collectively, to ensure the security and prosperity of our people.”

In Fiji last year, the Forum unveiled their blueprint: The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

This year, the Leaders will endorse the 2050 Implementation Plan.

“Our regional voice is clear – Our 2050 Strategy, articulated by the Pacific, for the Pacific, paves the way for our people’s shared aspirations, and creates opportunities for deeper partnerships with those who commit to supporting our regional priorities,” Brown said.

The Pacific Islands Forum was founded in 1971, and has grown from an inaugural membership of seven countries to 18 full members.

Brown said the 52-year journey is a testament to the Forum’s resilience and a reaffirmation of its role as the premier leadership organisation of the Pacific region.

“We gather this week to ensure the voices of our people are heard. To ensure we stand by the choices we make and most importantly to talanoa with each other, in our Pacific Way.

“While we may not always see eye to eye and we may have differing views on critical matters – let us remember that the Pacific Way is ultimately to respect each other’s independent sovereignty – for it was hard fought by our forebears, and precious to each of us.

Brown further stated, “agreeing that our differences should not be seen as a weakness of our solidarity but rather serve as testament to our evolution as sovereign states, united in our diversity, in service to our sea of islands”.

“Recognising that regardless of whether we stand together or stand separately – we are all stronger when we stand together.”