Involving participants from PNG, Australia, Fiji, Tonga, France, Chile, the United States and New Zealand, the Summit is an initiative of the 2015 South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting, also held in Port Moresby.

Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo, Commander PNGDF, said about the Summit:

"The objective …is to bring together the regions' future generation of leaders to discuss how different government agencies can work cooperatively to resolve mutual defence and security issues.

"Our region faces many threats which require different countries and government agencies to work together, whether in response to natural disasters, deploying on regional peacekeeping missions, combating transnational crime and terrorism or maritime security.

Supported by Australia under the Defence Cooperation Program, the timing of the Summit is ideal for the future safety and security of the region, says Brigadier Toropo.

"With APEC 2018 around the corner, it is more important than ever that the different arms of government work collaboratively - it is only by working in unison that we can solve these complex problems".

A key theme running throughout the Summit is the critical leadership role women play in peace and security, and the way in which greater female representation in security forces contributes to capability.

Participants are also engaging in discussions on the importance of effective multi-agency cooperation, the barriers faced in achieving it and an appreciation of how it can be enhanced.