A meeting of all major pacific nations is happening in the Solomon Islands next month. The stability of this conference has been threatened by renewed geopolitical tensions in the Pacific with China and the United States fiercely competing for 

New Zealand recently withdrew funding from the Cook Islands, who have signed a multitude of bilateral deals with China that brings the nation in closer cooperation with the Asian superpower. 

Tuvalu previously threatened to boycott the conference as the US, China and Taiwan (which are partner countries) have been barred from participating amid rising geopolitical tensions but has since said they will attend. 

Producer Sanat wanted to understand a little bit more about the importance of the Pacific Islands Forum and the role that New Zealand plays in the conference of nations, especially in a pacific environment where climate change threatens the sanctity of so many Pacific Island communities.