By Ekei-Lalii Remengesau
The dates for the 45th Pacific Islands forum have been confirmed after consultations between the Government of the Republic of Palau, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Forum members.
The meeting is expected to bring more than 400 people including leaders, government officials and the media.
The 45th Pacific Islands Forum dates have been confirmed from July 29 to August 1, 2014 in Koror, Palau.
The forum will begin with the Smaller islands states leaders meeting on July 29, followed by the Pacific Islands Forum Plenary Session on July 30th with the Forum Leader’s Retreat on the following day and will finally conclude with the 26th post-forum dialogue partners plenary session on August 1st.
The meeting comprises of 16 self-governing island nations including developed nations such as Australia and New Zealand.
Leaders are expected to discuss issues of regional concerns, the refreshed Pacific Plan, climate change and other mutual issues.
This will be the second time Palau hosts this regional and international meeting.