The Pacific Islands Forum leaders came together in Auckland on 6-9 September for the 40th anniversary of this regional entity. Despite assertions to the contrary by the Forum Secretariat, most observers were again left questioning the relevance of the gathering in relation to the concerns of the island countries, or indeed to the failure of the Forum to discuss anything of note.

Island leaders had little time to discuss regional issues. This year star billing was given to UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, who led the largest ever international presence at a Forum meeting that included delegations from the US, China, Palestine, Luxembourg, Spain, Slovenia, Finland, Bhutan, Kyrgzstan and Hungary. Island delegations reported an impossible schedule of bilateral meetings during the course of the week.

The lobbying for votes in the UN was not the only diplomatic battle being played out behind the scenes. Closer to home, the issue of Forum leadership was put on the agenda by the Melanesian members backing former Fiji foreign minister Kaliopate Tavola to replace Tuiloma Neroni Slade as Secretary-General. In the end the official communique reported that Slade was returned by unanimous agreement.

In reality Melanesian leadership again proved to be all bluster in the lead up to the event, with no-one prepared to raise the issue at the leaders’ retreat. Stemming any meaningful discussion on the future of the Forum and the region has not only contributed to the increasing questioning of its relevance, but has also left the region more exposed to outside influence than at any time in the recent past. Whilst many international eyes now focus on the many riches the region has to offer, it is sad to see our leaders being played as pawns.

Seasoned observers noted the further erosion of trust, brotherhood and direction at this year’s Forum. Clearly the Melanesian countries are putting more emphasis on the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and rightly so. The MSG received a notable injection of support from Timor Leste only days after folks left Auckland. The Micronesians have been preparing to establish a secretariat to formalise their annual Micronesian Chief Executives’ Summit, and now the Polynesians have indicated their intention to establish a new sub-regional grouping in Apia in November. Strong sub-regional and interest groupings will be vital for more effective regional discussions, and need not be a threat to regionalism.

Once again, civil society was locked out of the Forum and the simmering issues of West Papua, Tahiti and Rapanui were ignored. Media complained that there was little to report especially after several press conferences were cancelled at late notice. Ironically while attending media reported almost nothing from the Forum, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon inadvertently created the biggest story around the Forum by declaring that the UN remained concerned about human rights abuses there and was open to putting West Papua back on the UN de-colonisation list.

There is a growing sense around the region that the Forum Secretariat no longer defends its people, or is accountable to its people.

As Kiribati President Anote Tong suggested, what island countries need to do is to take ownership of the Pacific Islands Forum.