Nauru's Foreign Minister has told his regional counterparts the climate crisis coupled with a challenging geopolitical environment presents an opportunity for them to collectively step up to the plate.
David Adeang spoke at the opening of the Pacific Forum Foreign Ministers' meeting in Suva.
Mr Adeang underlined the theme for the upcoming Leaders' Summit in Tuvalu, 'Securing our Future in the Pacific', and said it was a chance to deepen regionalism in a prioritised and inclusive manner.
He said history has shown the Forum has been at its best in moments of challenge when the Pacific's solidarity and resolve have been both necessary and tested.
"The current context I believe presents another such moment. In a context where climate change threatens our survival, multilateralism is failing and geo-political competition in our region seeks to divide us.
"Committing to the future viability of our ocean continent and making this commitment together is not only a challenging task but one that is deeply political."