Engaging the Pacific: Reflections on the Pacific Symposium 2024 - Navigating Geostrategic Competition in the Pacific
From L to R: Bertil Wenger, Dr Guy Fiti Sinclair, Maureen Penjeuli, Caren Rangi, Dr Meg Keen, Dr Hamish McDougall, Joanna Bourke, Professor Rouben Azizian, Francesca Long, Kara Irwin, Dr Iati Iati, Associate Professor Anna Powles, José Sousa-Santos, Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva
PCF co-sponsored the recent NZ Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) Pacific Symposium 2024, held in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (Australia). This event, themed "International Politics in the Pacific: Navigating Geostrategic Competition," brought together leading thinkers from universities, think tanks, NGOs, and businesses across the Pacific, including New Zealand and Australia. The symposium took place from June 25-27, 2024, in Auckland, featuring a series of workshops, a public event, and field trips.
The public event was recorded and is available on our YouTube channel for viewing. It will be of interest to watch as experts discuss issues broadly and what this means for the Pacific. Additionally, a comprehensive report capturing the discussions at the symposium is being prepared.
Objectives and Themes
The symposium aimed to address several critical objectives:
1. Evaluate External Engagement:
The symposium sought to evaluate how external powers, including nation-states and other actors, are engaging in the Pacific region. It also aimed to assess the extent to which New Zealand and other Pacific countries can influence this engagement.
2. Understand Pacific Perspectives:
Understanding the type of engagement the Pacific region seeks from external powers was a key focus. This included discussions on climate change, geopolitical competition, challenges to established international systems, and barriers to economic and social development.
3. Enhance New Zealand's Engagement:
Consideration was given to ways in which New Zealand can better engage with the Pacific, respecting the agency and autonomy of Pacific peoples, smaller states, and regional institutions.
In approaching these objectives, NZIIA adopted a neutral and non-partisan stance, fostering expert discussion and understanding while being complementary to other initiatives and organisations. The symposium was collaborative, bringing together a diverse range of organisations and experts.
Context and Relevance
The Pacific region is increasingly seen as a strategic area by large and middle-sized powers globally. This interest is evident in capitals such as Washington DC and Beijing, and extends to states from Western Europe, Asia, and Australia. The engagement is often part of broader 'Indo-Pacific' strategies, driven by perceptions of China's rising influence and its potential impact on the region and the international system.
This heightened strategic interest creates both threats and opportunities for Pacific countries and New Zealand. Wellington has long prioritised regional engagement with Pacific neighbours, leveraging its expertise and influence with larger powers. This symposium underscored New Zealand's pivotal role and continued commitment to understanding and influencing the Pacific. It acknowledged the evolving strategic dynamics while reaffirming New Zealand's dedication to fostering stability and mutual benefit in the region.
Moreover, many in the Pacific are concerned that the focus on strategic competition and defence overlooks the agency of Pacific peoples and detracts from addressing critical issues such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and economic development. The symposium discussions highlighted these concerns while emphasising the importance of inclusive and beneficial engagement from external powers.
PCF's Role and Vision
PCF's sponsorship of this symposium aligns closely with our vision and mission. We strive to provide platforms for Pacific voices and expertise, fostering fair and respectful relationships across New Zealand and the Pacific region. By supporting this event, we wanted to highlight the importance of generating dialogue with Pacific peoples and diaspora, aligning with our strategic focus to facilitate the amplification of independent Pacific voices. This initiative is a testament to PCF's commitment to leading and facilitating discussions on critical international issues affecting the Pacific, advancing the collective interests of the Pacific community.
Encouraging Broader Participation
A key takeaway from the symposium is the need to encourage broader participation in discussions on international politics and geostrategic competition. Engaging non-academics and Pacific participants in these matters is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the region's dynamics. By fostering inclusive dialogue, we can ensure that Pacific perspectives are heard and considered in shaping the future of the region.
We challenge our Pacific people to get involved in these critical conversations. Your voices are vital in shaping the policies and strategies that impact our region. Whether you are a student, professional, community leader, or simply passionate about the future of the Pacific, your input is invaluable. Join the discussions, share your insights, and help us create a prosperous and resilient future for the Pacific.
Conclusion
The NZ Institute of International Affairs Pacific Symposium 2024 was a significant event that highlighted the complexities of international politics and geostrategic competition in the Pacific. PCF is proud to have co-sponsored this symposium, contributing to critical discussions that align with our mission to strengthen identity, deepen relationships, and amplify Pacific voices. We look forward to continuing our efforts to support and engage with the Pacific community on these important issues. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Zealand and other key stakeholders is crucial in advancing these dialogues and ensuring a prosperous and stable future for the Pacific region.
We invite everyone to join the conversation and view the recorded sessions on our YouTube channel, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on navigating geostrategic competition in the Pacific. Stay tuned for the upcoming report that captures the rich discussions and insights from the symposium.
