CARICOM and Pacific Islands Forum Strengthen Ties With New Agreement

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) have formalized a new partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Caribbean and Pacific regions. The two regional organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding on September 23 in New York, on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The agreement was signed by CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Divavesi Waqa. It establishes a framework for closer cooperation and provides a platform for both regions to advance priorities affecting Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States. Among the areas of focus are stronger collective advocacy, sharing knowledge and expertise, and practical cooperation on issues of common interest. The partnership is also expected to strengthen the voice of small island states in international decision-making. CARICOM Waqa said closer cooperation would help the Caribbean and Pacific ensure that issues affecting small island states remain prominent in global discussions. Barnett highlighted the similarities between the two regions, including their vulnerability to climate change and the economic pressures faced by small island and low-lying coastal states. She said formalizing the relationship would allow the regions to strengthen their collective advocacy internationally while developing practical areas of cooperation that can benefit their populations. CARICOM The Pacific Islands Forum represents 18 member countries and territories, while CARICOM comprises 15 Member States and eight Associate Members.