Fiji, Sept. 2 -- Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has told regional leaders that the challenge facing the Pacific is no longer simply agreeing on priorities but delivering results.

Opening the Forum Leaders' Plenary in Koror, Whipps said leaders were meeting at a time of rapid change and increasingly complex regional challenges.

"The responsibility now rests with us as leaders to provide a political direction.

"We do so in a time when the environment around us is changing rapidly. And one thing is clear, the evolving nature of our challenges is becoming too complex," Whipps said.

Whipps said discussions with the wider Pacific regional family, civil society, the private sector, associate members, obser...