The situation surrounding the Pacific island countries is becoming increasingly complex, due to geopolitical competition between major powers and changes in the US administration's stance on engagement in the region. In addition to this, the Pacific island countries are facing a wide range of issues, including the impact of climate change, such as rising sea levels, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, illegal drugs, healthcare, education, the outflow of labour resources from the countries, the economy, the protection of traditional culture, and waste management.
     Through the Division of Island Nations of the Ocean Policy Research Institute, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation cooperates with the Japanese government-led Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM), and in addition to this, the Division is planning to establish the ‘FLOWERS’ (Freely Linked Opportunities With Efforts and Results) meeting, a dialogue platform that promotes industry-government-academia-civil society collaboration led by the private sector. Through this platform, we aim to contribute to the construction of a multilayered relationship between Japan and Pacific island countries by promoting practical collaboration between Japan and Pacific island countries on a wide range of issues.
     As part of this multilayered relationship-building, we launched the ‘Pacific Islands Young Professionals Forum’ in 2023. The aim of this forum is to identify actual local issues from the perspective of young professionals, such as JICA long-term trainees (SDGs Global Leaders Program participants) and other international students from Pacific island countries, and to build a human network with future generations. The first forum was held in August 2023, and the second was held during the ‘Pacific Island Nations Weeks’ in July 2024. In addition, in November 2024, we held a special meeting in Fiji including graduate students and undergraduate students of the University of the South Pacific.
     In this context, we will hold the 3rd Pacific Islands Young Professionals Forum at the International Conference Hall at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Building on Friday, 14 March 2025, from 3:00 pm. Around 30 graduate students and undergraduate students from Pacific island countries and international students in Japan will participate in this event, where they will share information and discuss various issues, including the impact of climate change at the community level, and we hope that they will be able to identify priority issues that Pacific island countries should address from their perspective.
     This forum is available for viewing via live streaming, and it is also possible to attend in person at the venue. In addition, we will be providing simultaneous interpretation, and after the forum there will be a simple reception aimed at networking.
     We look forward to welcoming a wide range of participants, including those interested in international cooperation, those who promote people-to-people exchange, and high school, university and graduate students who are interested in international relations.

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