Pacific Islands Forum
The Pacific Islands Forum has its origins in a proposal put forth by Cook Islander Premier Albert Henry, advocating for a political forum that would complement the existing South Pacific Commission. As newly-independent nations sought greater collaboration, this idea gained traction, with island leaders gathering to contemplate the formation of a permanent body dedicated to addressing shared challenges. The inaugural meeting of what then became known as the South Pacific Forum took place in Wellington, New Zealand, from August 5 to 7, 1971. This historic assembly included key figures, such as the President of Nauru, Prime Ministers from Western Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji, the Premier of the Cook Islands, the Australian Minister for External Territories, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand....