A new policy paper published by the Pacific Security College proposes evolving the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration into a legally binding regional peace and security treaty, arguing that it could provide greater predictability amid increasing geostrategic competition.
The paper, The Ocean of Peace: Vision to Treaty, examines the benefits and risks of transforming the Ocean of Peace Declaration, endorsed by Pacific leaders in 2025, into a binding agreement. It proposes negotiating a new regional peace and security treaty as a protocol to the Treaty of Rarotonga.
Author Ben Burdon said the Pacific’s strategic vision is clearly outlined in the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration and that embedding its values and norms into international law and practice could be a potential next step.
“Negotiating a new treaty as a protocol to Rarotonga would turn a respected nuclear-free zone into a legally binding regional peace and security system – one built and owned by the Pacific,” Burdon said.
The proposed protocol, referred to in the paper as “Rarotonga II,” includes principles such as establishing the Pacific as a Zone of Peace, recognizing climate security as a peace obligation, and creating a mechanism for external partners to formally commit to Pacific peace and security law and practice.
