Pacific Regionalism – Pacific Way or the highway?

The recent Forum Leaders meeting  in August was a showcase of the complex dynamics shaping the Pacific region. From controversies surrounding Chinese-funded infrastructure in Tonga to the dramatic weather events during the meeting, the gathering highlighted both geopolitical tensions and environmental challenges facing the region. The influence of larger regional players, Australia and New Zealand, was palpable during the forum, yet it contrasted with the independent spirit of Pacific Island nations that have strived to improve their peoples' livelihoods through self-determined pathways.

Pacific regionalism has a rich history, rooted in the era of self-determination when island leaders united in their quest for independence from colonial powers. However, the meaning and practice of regionalism have evolved significantly in recent years. The establishment of the PNA (Parties to the Nauru Agreement) office in 2010 marked a turning point, challenging the notion that a regional approach is always the best solution for regional issues.

Today, we're seeing a new iteration of this evolving regionalism with the 6PAC Plus alliance. This alliance, comprising nine Pacific Island nations (Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga, and Vanuatu), is at the forefront of the debate on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping. At the heart of their proposal is a levy of $150/tonne CO2e with a Global Fuel Standard , aimed at accelerating decarbonization in the shipping sector.

The 6PAC Plus proposal is significant for several reasons:

Climate Action: It directly addresses the urgent need to reduce emissions in the shipping sector, which is crucial for small island nations on the frontlines of climate change.

Economic Opportunity: The proposed levy could generate substantial funds for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable countries.

Global Leadership: It positions Pacific and Caribbean nations as proactive leaders in the fight against climate change, rather than passive victims.

Technological Innovation: The proposal could accelerate the development and adoption of cleaner shipping technologies.

Despite widespread support from many Pacific Island nations, larger regional players like Australia, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands have blocked the initiative from gaining a regional mandate. Australia’s resistance is tied to its coal industry, while New Zealand’s position is seen as reflective of its shifting political landscape. The Cook Islands, with its rapidly growing open shipping registry, has different economic interests at play.

This situation raises important questions about the nature of Pacific regionalism and solidarity. Is the "Pacific Way" a flexible concept that allows for diverse approaches to shared challenges? Moreover, how do smaller Pacific nations balance their urgent climate concerns with the economic and political interests of larger regional players?

Whether or not the Forum agrees on a unified position, the 6PAC Plus alliance has made it clear that they are ready to lead. The challenge now is whether regional powers will follow their lead or continue to stand in the way of change.

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Ms. Maria Sahib is a dynamic leader in sustainable maritime practices and climate action, with over a decade of transformative contributions to shipping decarbonisation, fisheries policy, and environmental sustainability. Her journey from the vibrant shores of the Marshall Islands to her beloved Fiji has been marked by groundbreaking achievements. For the past five years, Maria has been a powerhouse in driving the decarbonisation of the shipping industry through cutting-edge research, passionate advocacy, and active participation in IMO climate change negotiations. Her work has sparked significant positive changes in this critical sector.

Before focusing on shipping, Maria made substantial impacts in fisheries policy and management for the Marshall Islands government, gaining invaluable insights into sustainable resource management. Now, as the Coordinator for the Pacific bloc (6PAC+) in the IMO climate negotiations, she plays a pivotal role in shaping global maritime policies.