Pacific Labour Ministers Agree on New Regional Forum

The first-ever Pacific Regional Tripartite Employment Conference has ended in Nadi with a commitment from Pacific leaders to strengthen cooperation on workers’ rights and employment issues.

The four-day meeting brought together employment ministers, senior officials, employer groups and trade unions from across the region. Delegates discussed how to improve the lives of Pacific workers through stronger protections, fair wages, labour mobility and responses to challenges such as climate change and digital disruption.

The major outcome of the final day was the agreement to re-establish the Pacific Labour Ministers Forum, along with a Labour Senior Officials Working Group and a Talanoa Forum. These bodies are expected to provide a permanent space for regional dialogue and joint action on employment matters.

Organisers said the conference marked a turning point for the Pacific. “It’s about giving Pacific workers a stronger voice and making sure their rights are safeguarded as the region faces rapid economic and social changes."

Over the week, the conference also highlighted the importance of partnerships between governments, employers and workers’ representatives to build resilience and create decent jobs across island nations.

The outcomes will feed into future regional programmes and national employment policies, with delegates describing the event as “a historic step for Pacific labour cooperation.”