The Wilmington Declaration
In a pivotal meeting in Wilmington, Delaware, the leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States convened for the fourth Quad Leaders Summit. This "Quad" grouping, representing nearly two billion people and over one-third of global GDP, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific region anchored in shared values like the rule of law, sovereignty, and democratic principles.
Building Health Security
A major focus was health security. The Quad leaders celebrated their joint success in delivering over 1.2 billion vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic and launched the Quad Cancer Moonshot, a partnership aimed at combating cervical cancer across the Indo-Pacific. Investments from all four nations in medical equipment, vaccines, and private-sector involvement are expected to save hundreds of thousands of lives over the coming decades.
Maritime Security and Disaster Relief
Quad members reiterated their commitment to maritime security through initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), enabling regional countries to monitor their waters and respond to unlawful activities. The newly introduced Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) aims to enhance maritime law enforcement capabilities. In disaster relief, the Quad extended financial aid, including $5 million to Papua New Guinea after a landslide and $4 million to Vietnam following Typhoon Yagi.
Infrastructure, Emerging Technology, and Climate Cooperation
Emphasizing high-quality, resilient infrastructure, the Quad introduced the Ports of the Future Partnership and continued supporting undersea cable networks to boost digital connectivity. Investments in emerging technologies like Open Radio Access Network (RAN) are planned for Southeast Asia and Palau.
In the fight against climate change, the Quad announced new clean energy projects, including solar initiatives in the Pacific and diversification of solar panel and battery supply chains. Additional investments will go into energy-efficient cooling systems for climate-vulnerable communities.
Cybersecurity and Space Collaboration
Cybersecurity cooperation was deepened, with commitments to increased information sharing and joint efforts to protect critical infrastructure. In space technology, the Quad will utilize Earth Observation data to help Indo-Pacific nations manage extreme weather events.
Economic and Technological Cooperation
A key economic initiative is the Quad Investors Network (QUIN), which is mobilizing investments in strategic technologies like clean energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, and quantum technology. QUIN aims to enhance supply chain resilience, foster joint research and development, and invest in the region's workforce.
People-to-People Initiatives
The Quad Fellowship Program, which nurtures future leaders in science, technology, and policy, will now include students from ASEAN countries. Supported by companies like Google and Western Digital, the program is expanding, with India announcing 50 scholarships worth $500,000 for Indo-Pacific students to pursue undergraduate engineering programs in India.
Commitment to Regional Stability and Rule of Law
The Quad reaffirmed its strong support for ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum, aligning its work with ASEAN’s principles and regional priorities. The group voiced concerns about coercive actions in the East and South China Seas and emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in resolving maritime disputes.
Quad leaders also highlighted the need for UN Security Council reform, advocating for more representative and accountable permanent seats, including for Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In line with their global commitment to peace and security, the Quad condemned the war in Ukraine, calling for a comprehensive and lasting peace that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity. The leaders also voiced their concern over North Korea’s ballistic missile launches and reiterated their stance on denuclearization.
The Wilmington Declaration solidified the Quad as a global force for good, with leaders pledging continued collaboration, transparency, and respect for regional institutions. The Quad countries will work together to shape the Indo-Pacific region’s future, addressing shared challenges like climate change, maritime security, health crises, and technological advancements, ensuring peace and prosperity for generations to come.
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