Australia played a key role in shaping the agreement, serving as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body and representing the Western Pacific region.
The women’s joyful, eye-catching presence this year too drew interest and admiration from fellow participants and bystanders, many of whom stopped to take photos and learn more about the meaning behind their traditional clothing.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly said language skills were a national asset that created opportunities for young people while strengthening cultural understanding.
The visit comes amid growing concern over fuel supply vulnerabilities in the Pacific, where island nations remain highly exposed to global supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs.
Authorities estimate the drugs could have been sold as more than 1.1 million individual street deals, preventing more than $57 million from reaching criminal networks.