Fiji, April 24 -- The Pacific Islands Forum has urged global and regional partners to align more closely with Pacific-led priorities as the region faces mounting challenges, from climate change to transnational crime and shifting aid dynamics.

Speaking virtually at the 81st Session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Forum Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi delivered a direct message on the Pacific's development needs and strategic direction.

"Our global context is rapidly evolving. At the regional level, as we work to rebuild our economies following the COVID-19 pandemic, we now face global trade tensions," Nayasi said.

He pointed to shrinking development assistance amid growing demand for res...