What is SPDMM ?

The South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) is the only ministerial-level security and defence forum in the South Pacific. On the agenda: climate change and its impacts, preparation of armed forces in case of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and the security of the maritime and exclusive economic areas of the Member States. Created in 2013 following an Australian initiative, the 2023 edition – the eighth one – marks the 10^th anniversary of the summit.

Who participates ?

This summit gathers seven Member States having armed forces: Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga. Three States with observation status are also present: the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom.

What is its purpose ?

SPDMM plays a key role for security in the South Pacific: it is a high-level dialogue and exchange forum. The Defence Ministers deepen their mutual understanding and have a common analysis of the defence stakes in the area. These discussions also help co-ordinate the responses to the threats against the Pacific communities, especially to illegal activities, the predation on fishing resources or the threats linked to climate change.

An example of a concrete achievement ?

In 2013, the Povai Endeavour framework is proposed. The goal: determine a well-structured agenda of major training exercises to reinforce interoperability between the partners in terms of maritime security and HADR operations. Today, Povai Endeavour comprises four major exercises, including Croix du Sud organised by the French armed forces in New Caledonia, and will soon also include Marara, led by the French armed forces in French Polynesia.

What is planned for the 2023 edition ?

This year, the meeting will be organised around three round tables dedicated to analysing, anticipating and common operations. Organised for the first time in France, it will also give the opportunity to present the assets and missions of the French armed forces in the Pacific. On the agenda: HADR operations, maritime surveillance, fight against illegal fishing and reinforcement of our co-operation with South Pacific countries.