Advancing Ocean Partnerships and Navigating Blue Economies was the focus of discussion held in Suva from 9–10 March. Initiated by Team Europe in partnership with Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC), and regional organisations such as SPREP, SPC, FFA, and the USP, the meeting brought together partners to discuss sustainable Blue Economy initiatives and development. The meeting provided an opportunity for PICTs to learn from others who presented their future Blue Economy priorities and National Ocean Frameworks. It also informed PICTs about upcoming programmes and financing opportunities under the Team Europe Initiative.

During the meeting, three Team Europe Initiative projects were launched. The GIZ Pacific Blue Economies project, which aims to strengthen the capacity of governments, the private sector, and civil society in five Pacific countries to better plan and implement the transition to a Blue Economy. The PEUMP Phase II, which will run until 2030 and aims to support Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste in addressing major ocean-related challenges through education, research, training, evidence-based policy development, and technical assistance. And the third programme is a 5-year, €8 million grant from AFD’s Initiative Ocean, which will support PICTs in enhancing their regional and national capacities for the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources and ecosystems through knowledge sharing, data collection, and capacity building. Kiribati is one of the PICTs that will benefit from these three initiatives or projects.

Kiribati had the opportunity to socialize the ‘Ara Marawa 2026–2031’ policy, which is scheduled to be launched during the Kiribati Fisheries Forum to be held from 5–7 May and extend an invitation to interested partners who wish to participate in this forum.

Representing Kiribati at this meeting were the Deputy Secretary from MFOR, an official from the Meteorological Office, and the Regional Consultant. Kiribati would like to acknowledge and appreciate the support of GIZ for inviting Kiribati to participate at this important dialogue.