Fiji, Aug. 6 -- Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa has called on Smaller Island States (SIS) to retain political ownership of their priorities while using existing regional institutions to deliver results, as officials meet to shape the group's future direction.

Opening the Smaller Island States Officials Meeting this week, Waqa acknowledged the growing demands placed on the region's smallest administrations as multiple regional reviews and priorities progress simultaneously.

"As alluded to by the Chair, we are an interesting era of reviews, as we consider how best to position ourselves to better navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

"I recognise that for the SIS, this has meant that your small administrations have ha...