Pacific Forum Marks 50 Years of Policy Leadership in the Indo-Pacific
Global foreign policy institute reflects on five decades of shaping regional security and diplomacy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Honolulu, HI – March 5, 2025 - As the Indo-Pacific emerges as the world’s most strategically significant region, Pacific Forum celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of impact in global security, diplomacy, and strategic policy development. The milestone will be celebrated at Pacific Forum’s 50th Annual Dinner & Fundraiser on April 15, 2025, at The Royal Hawaiian Resort, featuring global security experts and policymakers.
Founded in 1975 by Rear Admiral Lloyd R. “Joe” Vasey, Pacific Forum has played a critical role in shaping international relations by fostering dialogue among policymakers, scholars, and military leaders. Through its pioneering work in Track 1.5 and Track 2 diplomacy, the Forum has been a trusted bridge between governments, think tanks, and private industry, helping to address some of the region’s most pressing security challenges.
“For fifty years, Pacific Forum has brought together global decision-makers, thought leaders, and rising experts to build solutions that enhance peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” said Pacific Forum President’s, David Santoro. “Our work has been instrumental in strengthening regional cooperation and advancing strategic policy discussions that matter.”
A Legacy of Global Impact
Over the past five decades, Pacific Forum has led critical initiatives that have shaped regional policy discussions, including:
- High-Level Strategic Dialogues – As one of the few organizations facilitating Track 1.5 and Track 2 discussions, Pacific Forum has played a role in U.S.-China, U.S.-Japan-Korea, and broader multilateral security talks in the Indo-Pacific.
- The Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP) – A platform connecting scholars, officials, and policy professionals to develop recommendations for bodies like the ASEAN Regional Forum.
- Annual Defense Conferences – Bringing together leaders from 20+ nations and private industry to develop strategic defense and technology solutions.
- Young Leaders Program – Engaging 1,000+ young leaders from 60 countries, fostering the next generation of global security experts.
- Publishing Key Insights – Producing nearly 100 PacNet reports annually, influencing policymakers and global discourse on Indo-Pacific security.
Looking to the Future
As Pacific Forum marks its 50th year, the need for trusted, non-partisan policy engagement in the Indo-Pacific is more critical than ever. With shifting geopolitical landscapes, technological advancements, and evolving security threats, Pacific Forum remains committed to informing strategy, building cooperation, and preparing the next generation of leaders.
Pacific Forum Annual Dinner“We are not just looking back at our achievements,” added Santoro. “We are looking ahead to the next 50 years, ensuring that Pacific Forum remains at the forefront of Indo-Pacific policy engagement.”
About Pacific Forum
Pacific Forum is a non-profit think tank fostering dialogue, cooperation, and policy shaping in the Indo-Pacific region. For more information, visit https://pacforum.org/.
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Shanna Khayat
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