Pacific geopolitics, West Papua and illegal drugs are expected to feature in Pacific Islands Forum consultations over the next three months.
The Forum Secretariat said regional policy consultations for the year start this week in Vanuatu, involving leaders and ministers, senior officials, businesses and civil society.
Issues likely to be covered in the discussions include the renewed focus on security and stability, and increasing concerns about the trade in illegal drugs such as methamphetamine, it said.
Forum secretary-general Dame Meg Taylor said she welcomed the "active participation" of members in the process.
This would ensure their voices were "reflected in the development of regional policies", she said.