Professional Session #5: Why the Pacific Islands Matter | скачать в хорошем качестве

Professional Session #5: Why the Pacific Islands Matter |

Professional Session #5 at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2025 (IPRD 2025) examines the increasing importance of the Pacific Island Countries within the wider Indo-Pacific maritime landscape. Moderated by Vice Admiral Anne Cullere, the session highlights how Pacific Island nations navigate environmental vulnerability, economic priorities, and expanding international engagement while maintaining agency in shaping their own regional future. Speakers and Key Perspectives • Dr (Ms) Gudrun Wacker, German Institute for International and Security Affairs — examined the evolving dynamics of the South Pacific and discussed the complexities of cooperative responses to growing external influence, emphasising coordination and capacity-building that respect Pacific priorities. • Ambassador (Cmde) Peter Illau, Pacific RBS Ltd — highlighted Papua New Guinea’s role as a regional anchor through its economic base, digital connectivity, education systems, and defence cooperation, arguing that these capabilities can support broader regional development and resilience. • Cdr (Retd) (Ms) Marianne Peron-Doise, French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs — discussed France’s resident presence in the Pacific and its focus on marine governance, environmental protection, maritime awareness, and cooperative partnerships with Pacific Island states. • VAdm Pradeep Chauhan, AVSM & Bar, VSM (Retd), National Maritime Foundation — reflected on India’s engagement with Pacific Island states through initiatives such as the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation, emphasising development partnerships, capacity-building, and sustained engagement based on local priorities. Together, the session highlighted how the Pacific Islands are not peripheral actors but key stakeholders whose maritime spaces, environmental realities, and governance choices shape the broader Indo-Pacific conversation. Hosted by the Indian Navy, with the National Maritime Foundation as Knowledge Partner. 💬 How can partnerships with Pacific Island nations support a stable and sustainable maritime future? Share your thoughts after watching. #IPRD2025 #IndoPacific #PacificIslands #BlueEconomy #MaritimeSecurity #MaritimeGovernance #FIPIC #IndianNavy #NationalMaritimeFoundation #RegionalCooperation