Pacific Island Forum PACIF

The Pacific Islands Forum is a body which comprises 18 permanent members who meet to discuss economic and political policy in the region. The PIF seeks to promote peace, security, and economic prosperity for Pacific Islanders. Member states work jointly while also considering the interests of multinational organizations and international Dialogue Partners. The PIF has the potential to advance a global agenda for peace, environmentalism, and prosperity because of the large area of land considered and the many nations with vested interests in the region.

The committee mainly consists of traditional Model UN elements. However, there will be one session with crisis elements and periodic updates from Dialogue Partners. Crisis experience is not required nor would it incur any special advantage. Please read the background guide carefully for the special rules and procedures of this committee.

Topic A The Pacific Ocean is the economic and cultural center for most Pacific islanders. While there are many potential pathways for economic development such as in fishing and pharmaceuticals, research suggests that current practices will result in environmental catastrophe: habitat destruction, overfishing, pollution, and more. Furthermore, the economic toll of weather damage has increased as climate change has become a more severe issue. This committee must unite to create new practices and regulate old policies that will ensure the economic stability of the Pacific for the future, curb the increasingly devastating effects of climate change and weather-related disasters, and maintain the culturally significant relationship between each state and the sea.

Topic B The Pacific Island Nations are separated by miles of water—almost 98% of the region is ocean—which inhibits the movement of resources between countries. The lack of available vaccinations and medical infrastructure has led to a surge in rates of preventable cervical cancer. Furthermore, a lack of infrastructure and communication technologies has made it essentially impossible for economies to develop as businesses struggle to expand. These difficulties result in many workers leaving their home countries in search of seasonal work elsewhere, but visa programs between island nations are not easy to navigate. Delegates in the committee will have to work together to find creative and diverse solutions to this set of issues centered around mobilizing the region.

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