A midst the backdrop of global and regional turmoil, Pacific Islands Forum leaders yesterday were urged to look within as they deliberate over the next few days.

Forum Chair, Voreqe Bainimarama said: “I offer that the most important consideration for us this week is this: How will we, the Pacific Islands Forum choose to navigate these challenges and opportunities as we voyage into the future?Will we forge ahead together? Will we take individual paths? Will we be assertive, or will we leave it to others to decide our fate?”

The questions were posed during the first formal engagement of Forum leaders’ dialogue with associate members and Forum observers.

Mr Bainimarama also stirred cultural pride and links to the ocean.

“Our connections are anchored in the ancient past where our ancestors once sailed and traded, bringing us together as peoples of the Pacific.”

“These connections anchor our unity today, giving us common identity and purpose.”

The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent is the vision and plan up for consideration during the leaders retreat on Thursday.

A minute of silence was also observed yesterday to remember former regional leaders who have passed on, those who have succumbed to COVID-19 and also the former Prime Minister of Japan- Shinzo Abe.

Mr Abe was Japan’s longest-serving Prime Minister. He was shot last Friday during a campaign event.