SUVA, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on Wednesday urged the leaders of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) to engage in innovative partnership to tackle climate change.

Speaking at the PIF meeting, Bainimarama proposed a program of an innovative partnership between government, communities and the private sector within the Pacific region.

He encouraged leaders to examine one or two transformation regional projects to bring about innovation.

There is a great need for private sector-led regional initiatives to build and adapt their critical public and private infrastructure for climate change, he said, adding that the Pacific needs to train and improve the skills of the workforce in sectors that can provide employment anywhere in the region.

The prime minister said that climate change demands vision, leadership, and innovation to create new opportunities.

The 50th PIF meeting officially kicked off on Tuesday in Funafuti, Tuvalu with the participation of leaders and representatives from the regional organization's 18 members.

During the four-day meeting, the PIF leaders will mainly discuss the issues such climate change, economic development, maritime security and marine pollution. On Friday, the PIF leaders will meet with all Forum Dialogue Partners such as China with a focus on greater global action on combatting climate change and protection of the ocean.

Founded as an inter-governmental organization in 1971, PIF aims to enhance cooperation between countries and territories of the Pacific region.