15/07/2026
Tuvalu Opens Day Two of the 2026 Taiwan International Ocean Forum, Setting the Agenda for Ocean Resilience
Taipei, Taiwan | 9 July 2026
Tuvalu's vision for ocean governance took centre stage at the 2026 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (TIOF) as Mr. Semi Malaki, Deputy Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, delivered the keynote address that officially opened Day Two of the Forum.
His keynote laid the foundation for the morning's high-level panel discussion, "Ocean Resilience for Sustainable Development," with the issues raised in Tuvalu's statement directly informing the dialogue that followed. Panel discussions examined the climate change challenges facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the impact of climate change on international maritime law, public-private partnership resilience mechanisms under compound disasters, and the establishment of integrated maritime disaster monitoring systems.
Hosted by Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council, the Taiwan International Ocean Forum has, since 2020, served as a platform for bringing together government leaders, policymakers, academics, and industry experts to advance cooperation on maritime governance, resilience, and sustainable ocean development.
Representing the Government of Tuvalu, Mr. Malaki reminded delegates that while Tuvalu remains concerned by developments that increase insecurity in the Pacific region, the nation's focus remains firmly on protecting what is truly at stake—the fisheries, biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural heritage that sustain Pacific peoples.
Although Tuvalu comprises just 26 square kilometres of land, it is entrusted with an Exclusive Economic Zone of more than 750,000 square kilometres, making it a proud Large Ocean State. He emphasised that the ocean is not merely a resource, but the foundation of Tuvalu's identity, culture, economy, and sovereignty.
Mr. Malaki also introduced Tuvalu's first National Ocean Policy (2026–2030), launched on World Ocean Day 2026, describing it as a landmark framework that brings together Tuvalu's traditions, national priorities, and international commitments into a single vision for integrated ocean governance.
Guided by the vision of "a sovereign and resilient Tuvalu, sustained by a healthy ocean, guided by our traditions, strengthened by our stewardship, and entrusted to future generations," the Policy adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to safeguard Tuvalu's ocean, strengthen climate resilience, and ensure sustainable stewardship for future generations.
Concluding his address, Mr. Malaki reminded delegates that safeguarding peace in the Pacific must go hand in hand with safeguarding the ocean itself.
"If destructive activities in the Pacific continue, it is not only Tuvalu that will suffer, but the shared ocean that all Pacific nations depend upon. Safeguarding peace in the Pacific must go hand in hand with safeguarding the ocean itself."
The Embassy of Tuvalu expresses its appreciation to the Ocean Affairs Council of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for convening the 2026 Taiwan International Ocean Forum. Tuvalu looks forward to building on the partnerships fostered through the Forum to advance sustainable ocean governance, maritime resilience, and the stewardship of our shared Blue Pacific.
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📸Ocean Affairs Council