ABSTRACT
This chapter explains what makes the Pacific a region, and considers the role of the Pacific Islands Forum in developing Pacific 'region-ness' through regional cooperation. It suggests an interest in looking at the concept or notion of region-ness, or of a common Pacific identity, as a defining characteristic of what a Pacific region is, or ought to be. There are many different views on what makes the Pacific a region, and how its region-ness is developed. Firstly the views of the Leaders of the Pacific should be represented. To realise their new vision, the Leaders identified for the Forum the four priority areas of economic growth, sustainable development, governance and security. The Leaders also directed that the priorities of the Forum be pursued in the context of the protection and development of the region's cultural identities, suggesting that culture should be at the core of their vision and in the work of the Forum.
