Fiji, Aug. 30 -- Pacific civil society organisations are demanding their participation in regional decision-making be formally institutionalised, saying they should no longer have to fight for a place at the table each time Pacific leaders meet.

The call was made during a civil society presentation at the Pacific Media Workshop in Palau ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting.

Joey Tau, Coordinator of the Pacific Network on Globalisation, said civil society engagement with the Pacific Islands Forum has remained inconsistent for years.

"We are really clear on what we want," Tau said. "For the longest time, we've been asking for engagement."

"There are times when we're at the table, there are times when we're left to t...