Lord Fakafanua Elected First Chairman of New Pacific Interparliamentary Assembly

NATADOLA, Fiji — Pacific nations have taken another step toward strengthening regional cooperation with the launch of the Pacific Interparliamentary Assembly (PIPA), a new institution designed to formalize dialogue among parliaments and create a stronger legislative voice for the region on the global stage.

Previously operating as the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group, the shift to PIPA reflects a growing recognition that parliaments must work together not only to share lessons and legislative tools but also to confront cross-border challenges, from climate change to economic development.

During its inaugural proceedings, representatives from Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Solomon Islands, and Palau appointed the Assembly’s first Board. In a unanimous decision, Lord Fakafanua, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, was elected Chairman. His leadership, delegates said, would be central to ensuring the Assembly matures into an influential force within regional governance.

“Our members from the 18 Legislative Assemblies from across the Pacific approved the constitutive documents, rules and procedures for the Assembly. This means that we will be registered as an official organisation under French Polynesian law, as a new Inter-Parliamentary regional organisation.” Lord Fakafanua said.

The new Board marked the occasion by signing the Statutes of PIPA, setting down the rules and principles that will guide its work. Lord Fakafanua signed on behalf of Tonga, reinforcing his nation’s reputation as a driver of regional initiatives. Delegates also adopted the Natadola Declaration, a statement of intent that commits members to collaboration in pursuit of shared priorities.

“I am privileged and honoured to be elected by the Pacific Island parliaments to be the first Chairperson of the Board. We have been mandated to seek partnerships with inter-parliamentary organisations as well as regional organisations to strengthen the goals of the organisation.” He continued.

Tahiti was confirmed as host and presidency of the first official PIPA Conference, scheduled for next year. The gathering will bring together parliamentary leaders to develop coordinated approaches on issues ranging from democratic governance to environmental security.

A Growing Web of Regional Cooperation

The creation of PIPA comes at a moment of heightened collaboration across the Pacific. Earlier this year, leaders convened at the Pacific Islands Forum under the theme of “Build Better Now,” emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of rising seas, economic volatility, and intensifying global competition.

PIPA is expected to complement the Forum and other regional bodies by ensuring that parliaments, often overlooked in regional diplomacy, play a more active role in shaping policies and mobilizing public support. Advocates argue that legislative buy-in is essential for implementing agreements on climate finance, renewable energy, fisheries management, and sustainable development.

Building a Collective Voice

Regional observers see the establishment of PIPA as part of a broader trend: Pacific nations creating institutions that amplify their collective voice internationally. By moving from an informal grouping to a structured Assembly with statutes, declarations, and rotating presidencies, PIPA positions itself to influence global negotiations where Pacific priorities are at stake.

“The Pacific has always understood the power of unity,” one delegate said after the signing ceremony. “With PIPA, we now have the beginnings of a legislative platform that can ensure our voices are not only heard but acted upon.”

Preparing for the Global Stage

The creation of PIPA also arrives as world leaders prepare to gather for the United Nations General Assembly in New York and later this year for COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Pacific parliaments, through this new Assembly, are signaling their intent to speak with greater coherence in global forums where decisions on climate finance, biodiversity, and sustainable development will shape their survival.

For countries on the frontlines of rising seas and intensifying storms, the Assembly provides a mechanism to elevate parliamentary voices into negotiations that have long been dominated by executive branches of government. It also strengthens the Pacific’s moral authority as a region that contributes least to global emissions but suffers the most severe consequences.

By electing Lord Fakafanua as its first Chairman and adopting the Natadola Declaration, the Pacific has laid the foundation for a parliamentary institution that could play an increasingly influential role in shaping not only regional unity but also the global conversation on resilience and justice.

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