39th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit

Fakatufono Niue 2008

 

The people of Niue are proud to host this years Forum and are looking forward to the arrival of the visitors especially the Pacific Leaders.  The last time we hosted the Forum was in 1977 and it was smaller and less complex then.

 

Not too long ago we hosted the PNG Pukpuks in the 2007 FORU Cup Rugby Final.   The fact that we reached the final and played PNG signifies that Niue has what it takes to be a proud participant in the region!

 

It also demonstrates what the Pacific region is all about.  Working, playing, exchanging ideas, large, small, east, west, and north, south and laughing together.  Our region has richness and diversity, and differences, which challenges us as it did the ancient

 

The global economy and climate influences have changed many things for us.  We have come to realize that we are part of the world whether we like it or not.

 

But with these new challenges have come new tools that we must use to change what we can and be proactive in our actions.  We cannot and must not allow others to usurp our rights and abilities.  We must invest our resources to our best advantage whether that be aid, investors, commerce, or social changes in health, welfare, or in the guardianship of our environmental and human resources.   It is us and us and us as leaders of our respective countries who must provide that guardianship.

 

Niue will assume the chairmanship of the Forum taking over from the Kingdom of Tonga.  We and I look forward to this challenge.

 

Again welcome to Niue.

 

Kia Fakamonuina mai he Atua a tautolu oti.

 

 

Hon. Toke T Talagi

Premier.

 

 

 

Hon. Toke. T Talagi

Premier of Niue

navigators and early settlers who conquered this vastness using their ancient and traditional expertise to meet those challenges.

The challenges today are different but we shall meet them because meet them and conquer them we must.