The 5th Pacific Islands Parliaments Group (PIPG) Conference has concluded with the formal establishment of the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (PIPA); a landmark step in strengthening parliamentary co-operation across the region.

In his closing remarks, Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, Filimone Jitoko, said the new institution would deepen regional integration and amplify the Pacific’s collective parliamentary voice on the global stage.

“This is not the closure of the PIPG chapter, but the opening of a new one; with rejuvenation and a new sense of purpose for our community of parliaments,” he said.

“I am confident that PIPA will serve as a beacon of co-operation, resilience, and democratic governance for our region.”

Over three days, parliamentarians deliberated on pressing regional and global issues including trade disruptions, sustainable development, regional integration, and future parliamentary co-operation.

Jitoko acknowledged the PIPG Permanent Secretariat from the Assembly of French Polynesia, Mr Jean-Raphael, and the UNDP Fiji Parliament Support Project (FPSP) for their roles in supporting the Conference. He also expressed gratitude to development partners Australia, Japan, and New Zealand for their contributions through the UNDP FPSP.

Delegates from across the Pacific hailed the establishment of PIPA as a historic turning point.

Monise Laafai (Tuvalu) described the transition as “a very important crossroads” and praised the Conference as “useful and resourceful.”

Peter Kenilorea Jr (Solomon Islands) said the Assembly was a “value addition” to national parliaments, offering opportunities for collective problem-solving, partnerships, and joint advocacy on key issues.

The Assembly of French Polynesia has been confirmed as the host of the 1st Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in 2026.