Author: Tess Newton Cain (MENAFN - The Conversation) It has been a bruising couple of weeks for the Pacific Islands Forum after five Micronesian countries announced they were leaving the region's key intergovernmental body. But rumours of its demise have been somewhat exaggerated. We may also look back at February 2021 as a turning point in Pacific regionalism , or the processes that foster cooperation and solidarity among Pacific island countries. With increased attention on the forum and how it works, this could prompt change for the better. What is the Pacific Islands Forum? The Pacific Islands Forum has 18 members , including Australia and New Zealand.