The secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, says contemporary security issues in the Pacific have become more challenging.
He has told the Forum Regional Security Committee meeting at the Forum's headquarters in Suva that there is a need for innovative approaches if the goal of a peaceful, secure and prosperous Pacific is to be attained.
The Forum's host country, Fiji, was excluded from the meeting after Forum leaders last month decided to suspend it over the military regime's failure to commit to elections this year.
Mr Slade says the economic impacts on the global economy may also be a driver for insecurity and criminality, which would undermine regional stability and security.
He says the region continues to be targetted by individuals and groups involved in transnational criminal activity, such as the illicit movement of drugs, weapons and people.
Mr Slade says security officials have also identified organised crime groups trying to exploit the regional banking and financial sectors.
He says the region must respond collectively to the challenges.
