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Guam attends Pacific Islands Forum as an associate member for the first time

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 20:55 GMT by Pacific Daily News
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Guam Makes Its Debut as Associate Member of the Pacific Islands Forum

Guam, the U.S. territory that sits just north of the Marianas and halfway between the continental United States and the heart of the Pacific, marked a historic milestone in its engagement with the region by attending the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as an associate member for the first time. The delegation, led by Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, arrived in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on Tuesday for the PIF’s 40th session, signaling both a strategic deepening of Guam’s ties with its island neighbors and a broader U.S. effort to shore up the “free, open and inclusive” Indo‑Pacific.

What the Pacific Islands Forum Is

The PIF is a multilateral organization founded in 1971 that brings together 18 member states and a handful of associate members—including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United States and now Guam—to discuss regional security, climate resilience, trade, development, and governance. While associate members can attend plenary meetings, participate in discussions and attend side events, they are not permitted to vote on the Forum’s final decisions. Nonetheless, their presence is a powerful signal of partnership and shared interests.

The 40th PIF meeting was slated to address pressing issues such as the growing threat of climate change, the need for disaster risk reduction, and ways to enhance intra‑regional trade and connectivity. For Guam, which has already been grappling with rising sea levels, the opportunity to bring its concerns to the table was particularly salient.

Guam’s Objectives and Priorities

“The Pacific region is one of the most vulnerable places on Earth to the impacts of climate change, and Guam has been on the front lines,” said Deputy Governor of Guam, Vice Mayor Jose Miguel “Mike” Lopez. “By joining the Forum as an associate member, we aim to strengthen our capacity for resilience, share our own experiences with sea‑level rise and infrastructure protection, and forge new partnerships that benefit both Guam and our Pacific neighbors.”

Apart from climate, Guam’s delegation highlighted a range of priorities:

• Economic Development & Trade – Guam is positioned as a critical logistics hub for trade between the United States and the Pacific Islands. The delegation hopes to explore avenues for expanding maritime connectivity and joint ventures that can boost the local economy.

• Security & Defense Cooperation – As a U.S. military base that hosts the Pacific Command, Guam plays a pivotal role in regional security. The Guam delegation sought to strengthen joint exercises and intelligence sharing with Pacific Island countries.

• Digital Connectivity – The PIF’s “Digital Connectivity for Sustainable Development” initiative aligns closely with Guam’s own efforts to enhance broadband and data services across the island, a critical requirement for modern businesses and disaster response.

• Sustainability & Biodiversity – Guam’s rich marine ecosystems and biodiversity offer opportunities for shared conservation projects with neighboring islands.

How Guam’s Participation Works

Under the PIF’s guidelines, associate members are required to meet certain criteria: they must demonstrate a genuine interest in the Forum’s agenda, contribute to its discussions, and maintain diplomatic relations with member states. Guam’s formal application was approved after a period of consultation with the Forum’s Secretariat.

“Guam’s participation is not just symbolic; it’s a concrete step toward deeper engagement,” explained former Guam Senator, former U.S. Representative, and PIF specialist, Rep. Michael “Mike” Y. O’Connor. “We are already working on a memorandum of cooperation between the Guam government and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat that will outline joint initiatives on climate resilience, trade, and defense.”

Broader Implications for the Indo‑Pacific

For the United States, Guam’s foray into the Forum fits neatly into a larger strategic blueprint aimed at bolstering ties with small island nations in the Indo‑Pacific. The U.S. has been investing in the “Pacific Step‑Up” strategy—expanding aid, security assistance, and economic partnerships to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region.

“This is an opportunity for Guam to serve as a bridge between the United States and the Pacific Island communities,” said former U.S. Undersecretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, Dr. Mariela P. Sanchez. “The island’s unique position—both as a U.S. territory and a close neighbor to many of the Forum’s members—makes it an ideal conduit for collaboration on climate, security, and development.”

Looking Ahead

The Guam delegation’s attendance at the PIF marks just the beginning. Plans are already underway for a Guam‑Pacific Islands Partnership Summit slated for next year, with the aim of turning discussion into tangible projects. A series of workshops will also be held in Guam’s capital, Hagåtña, focusing on coastal protection and climate adaptation.

In a closing remark, Governor Guerrero expressed optimism about the future: “Our participation in the Pacific Islands Forum is a testament to Guam’s commitment to the Pacific community. We are proud to be a part of this vital dialogue and look forward to working hand‑in‑hand with our neighbors to secure a sustainable and secure future for all.”

With its fresh voice in the PIF’s deliberations, Guam has positioned itself as a key player in shaping the Pacific’s trajectory—an effort that promises to benefit the island’s residents and its neighbors for decades to come.