Fiji, Sept. 8 -- Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa has warned Pacific ACP Leaders that climate change, debt distress, and weak financing demand sharper advocacy, stronger institutions, and unity as the region prepares for key global engagements.

"It is indeed an honour to welcome you to this Pacific ACP Leaders Meeting here in Honiara. We meet at a moment of profound global change," Waqa said.

He highlighted slow global growth and rising debt, noting that "more than 60 developing countries are already in or at high risk of debt distress. Many are small island economies like ours, facing the same structural vulnerabilities."

For the Pacific, he said, climate impacts are already severe.

"The Intergovernmental Panel on C...