Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Lt. Governor Laapui Talauega Ale attended the Pacific Islands Forum Officials Committee (FOC) Meeting and the Forum Ministers Meeting (FMM) in Suva, Fiji last week as a critical step in joining the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as an associate member, which gained approval of the PIF board on Friday (read full story elsewhere in this issue).

His participation underscores American Samoa’s commitment to becoming more involved in regional affairs.

And, as American Samoa contemplates its future within the broader Pacific region, this prospect of joining the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has become a focal point of local political and public discourse.

Samoa News reported in July of this year that the Forum confirmed to RNZ Pacific that its representatives have visited Guam and American Samoa in light of the US territories Forum membership bid. Guam's acting governor Lt Joshua Tenorio has made a plea for both territories to have a seat at the table.

PIF deputy secretary general Esala Nayasi said the applications are on the 53rd Forum Leaders Meeting agenda scheduled to take place this month.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has previously said the political status of American Samoa and Guam means they cannot be full voting members but supports their application to be non-voting associate members.

The PIF delegation met in June, in American Samoa, with various ASG government leaders and non-profit organizations to prepare a report, which they would present to the PIF Board of Directors on behalf of American Samoa in its bid for associate membership.

At the time of the visit, Lt. Governor La’apui expressed appreciation for the visit, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Ratu William Toganivalu and Mr. Tenuanua Nicole for joining us here and contributing to our efforts to join the Pacific Islands Forum… We look forward to building a relationship that will benefit not only American Samoa but also our Pacific neighbors in the years ahead.”

However, at the local community level, joining PIF is not a topic of interest — despite the Lemanu-Laapui administration having placed a high priority on securing associate membership in this regional body, reflecting its strategic importance in the territory's development and diplomatic efforts.

A local public conversation about the administration’s efforts to join the Pacific voices in the future direction of the Blue Nation has not been a mainstream issue, despite the need for the territory — as a whole — to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of joining the PIF.

For the community to understand what the Forum represents and achieve consensus on such a significant decision, it is essential its history, and the typical process for a territory like American Samoa.

PIF HISTORY

The Pacific Islands Forum, established in 1971, is the premier political and economic policy organization in the Pacific region.

Originally known as the South Pacific Forum, it was founded by seven countries — Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, New Zealand, Tonga, and Western Samoa (now Samoa) — to promote cooperation and integration among the independent states of the Pacific.

Over the decades, the Forum has expanded its membership to include 18 member states, spanning the Pacific Ocean from Australia and New Zealand in the south to Palau and the Marshall Islands in the north.

The PIF aims to foster regional cooperation on a wide range of issues, including economic development, security, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. It provides a platform for member states to collaborate on shared challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development, and geopolitical tensions.

The Forum operates through various committees and meetings, including the annual Leaders’ Meeting, where heads of state and government discuss and agree on regional priorities.

For territories like American Samoa, which are not fully independent states, the PIF offers the option of associate membership.

Associate members can participate in Forum meetings, engage in discussions, and contribute to regional initiatives.

However, they do not have the same voting rights as full members, limiting their influence on the Forum’s decisions.

This status is often granted to territories with strong regional ties but without full sovereignty, allowing them to stay connected to regional affairs while acknowledging their unique political status.

PROCESS

For a territory like American Samoa to join the PIF, a multi-faceted process typically unfolds, requiring a combination of political, public, and diplomatic efforts.

The first step often involves internal government deliberations, where leaders assess the potential benefits and challenges of membership. In American Samoa's case, this process is already well underway, with the Lemanu-Laapui administration prioritizing PIF membership as part of its strategic agenda.

It is not known at this time when public consultation(s) will occur — community participation that is, as it is a critical component of achieving consensus.

To do so, the government may conduct surveys, hold public forums, and engage with community leaders to gauge the population's views on joining the PIF.

This process ensures that the decision reflects the will of the people and that any concerns are addressed. Additionally, the government may seek expert advice, hiring consultants to provide detailed analyses of the implications of PIF membership.

Diplomatically, the territory would need to engage with current PIF members, particularly the Forum’s leadership, to negotiate the terms of membership.

This process often involves high-level discussions at PIF meetings, where the territory’s representatives present their case for joining and seek the support of existing members.

The attendance of Lt. Gov. Laapui at the Pacific Islands Forum Officials Committee (FOC) Meeting and the Forum Ministers Meeting (FMM) in Suva, Fiji this past week is a critical step in this diplomatic engagement.

ADVANTAGES OF ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

One of the primary advantages of joining the PIF for American Samoa would be increased regional influence and visibility.

As a member, even an associate member, American Samoa would have a seat at the table in discussions that shape the future of the Pacific region. This would enable the territory to advocate for its interests, particularly on issues such as climate change, which disproportionately affect small island communities.

Membership in the PIF would also provide American Samoa with access to regional development programs, technical assistance, and funding opportunities.

The Forum’s initiatives on sustainable development, fisheries management, and disaster resilience could directly benefit the territory, enhancing its capacity to address pressing challenges.

Furthermore, closer ties with other Pacific nations could foster economic opportunities, including trade, tourism, and investment, by integrating American Samoa more deeply into the regional economy.

Another significant benefit is the diplomatic support that PIF membership could offer.

As geopolitical tensions rise in the Pacific, being part of a collective body like the PIF could strengthen American Samoa’s position in international negotiations. The Forum’s collective voice on global issues, particularly at the United Nations and other international platforms, could amplify the territory’s concerns and priorities.

DISADVANTAGES OF ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

Despite these potential benefits, there are also several drawbacks to consider.

One of the primary concerns is the cost associated with membership.

For FY2025, the Lemanu-Laapui administration has budgeted $200,000 for costs related to PIF travel, consultant fees, and the application to the organization. While this investment reflects the administration’s commitment to joining the Forum, it also represents a significant financial outlay for a territory with limited resources. The ongoing costs of participation, including attending meetings and contributing to regional initiatives, could strain the territory’s budget.

Another potential downside is the limited voting rights that come with associate membership.

While American Samoa would have the opportunity to participate in discussions, its ability to influence decisions would be constrained. This could lead to frustration if the territory’s views are not adequately reflected in the Forum’s outcomes.

Additionally, there may be concerns about aligning American Samoa’s policies too closely with those of other PIF members.

As a U.S. territory, American Samoa has unique political and economic ties that differ from those of independent Pacific nations. Balancing these ties with the collective interests of the PIF could pose challenges, particularly in areas where U.S. and PIF policies diverge.

Finally, achieving consensus among the population for joining the PIF could prove difficult.

While there may be strong support for greater regional engagement, there could also be skepticism about the tangible benefits of membership. The public consultation process would need to address these concerns and ensure that the decision to join the PIF is broadly supported by the territory’s residents.

As the Lemanu-Laapui administration continues to pursue PIF membership, it must carefully navigate these pros and cons, balancing the potential benefits of regional integration with the practical and political challenges that membership may entail.

The decision to join the Pacific Islands Forum will not only shape American Samoa’s future in the Pacific, but also its role in the broader global community.