Shifting Tides: Papua New Guinea’s Role in Pacific Security Through the Biketawa and Boe Declarations

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The Pacific Islands Forum has long been a cornerstone of regional unity, bringing together member states to address shared challenges. Two key agreements—the Biketawa Declaration of 2000 and the Boe Declaration of 2018—highlight the Pacific’s evolving approach to security. While the Biketawa Declaration emphasized traditional security concerns, the Boe Declaration reflects a shift towards non-traditional issues like climate change, transnational crime, and cyber threats. Papua New Guinea, as a key player in the region, has an important role in implementing these frameworks, with the National Intelligence Organization (NIO) positioned to bridge national and regional priorities.

At the heart of both agreements lies the principle of non-interference. Respect for sovereignty is fundamental to regional cooperation, enabling collective action without undermining the autonomy of member states. However, real-world challenges often test this ideal. For instance, the regional assistance mission to the Solomon Islands, which involved intervention in domestic issues, raised questions about the balance between respecting sovereignty and addressing pressing security concerns. Such instances highlight the need for flexible yet principled approaches to regional security, an area where PNG’s NIO can provide valuable insights through intelligence-sharing and policy coordination.

Human rights protection is another key thread running through both declarations. The Biketawa Declaration underscores the importance of individual liberty and rule of law, while the Boe Declaration incorporates human rights within the broader context of non-traditional security. However, translating these principles into tangible action remains a challenge. In PNG, issues like sorcery accusation-related violence demand greater regional collaboration to ensure that human rights commitments are more than just words on paper. The NIO’s ability to monitor and report on such issues could be instrumental in aligning national efforts with regional human rights goals.

One of the most significant shifts in the Boe Declaration is its focus on non-traditional security issues. Climate change, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation are now recognized as existential threats to Pacific nations. This pivot reflects a broader understanding of security, one that goes beyond military concerns to encompass economic stability, food security, and environmental sustainability. For PNG, these issues are particularly pressing, with its vast coastline and vulnerable communities. The NIO, with its mandate to assess and mitigate security threats, can play a critical role in shaping PNG’s response to these challenges while contributing to regional strategies.

Transnational crime further underscores the need for collective action. Drug smuggling, cybercrime, and human trafficking are on the rise, posing significant challenges to small island states with limited resources. Recent incidents in PNG, such as major drug busts and the discovery of clandestine meth labs, highlight the urgency of addressing these threats. The Boe Declaration’s focus on such issues provides a framework for action, but its success depends on the capacity of national agencies like the NIO to work collaboratively with regional partners. Intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and capacity-building are key areas where PNG can contribute meaningfully.

While the Boe Declaration marks progress in addressing contemporary security challenges, it also reveals areas of divergence from its predecessor. Unlike the Biketawa Declaration, which emphasized good governance and rule of law, the Boe Declaration places less explicit focus on these principles. This shift may reflect the complexities of addressing governance issues in a region where political systems and priorities vary widely. For PNG, ensuring that governance remains a part of the security conversation is vital, and the NIO’s role in advising policymakers can help maintain this balance.

The Biketawa and Boe Declarations highlight both continuity and change in Pacific security frameworks. As a member state, PNG has a responsibility to uphold these agreements while addressing its unique challenges. The NIO’s role as a national intelligence body is crucial in this regard, providing the data and analysis needed to align PNG’s policies with regional goals. By fostering cooperation and addressing both traditional and non-traditional security threats, PNG and the NIO can strengthen not only national resilience but also the collective security of the Pacific region. Through active engagement and strategic leadership, PNG has the opportunity to shape the future of regional security in ways that reflect the shared values and aspirations of the Pacific community.

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