Shania Shayal Prasad 
The Pacific region is currently focusing on and advancing initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of its people.
Various non-governmental organizations and stakeholders are actively engaged in a week-long strategic foresight meeting.
During this event, they will explore strategies to enhance the quality of life for the region’s residents in the face of pressing challenges such as climate change, rising sea levels, and natural disasters.
Fiji Council of Social Services Executive Director Vani Catanisiga is optimistic that this meeting will yield positive outcomes at all levels.
“Given its strategic positioning, given that it is the hub of the Pacific, it is also where a lot of the regional discussions take place. It’s about trying to leverage our positioning here, geographically, politically, perhaps even socially, to try and represent not just Fiji’s position but to also look at the interests of Pacific people.”
PIANGO board member Harvey Drew emphasizes the importance of active participation and meaningful dialogue during these sessions.
“But we need to make sure that the voice of the people is heard by our leaders. I think we need to walk with our leaders and talk with them, but don’t just remember the people that we are representing. And I think that this week we will be prepared to look at those issues and what we need to share with our interests.”
Drew adds that they will also discuss issues of national significance.
With more than 30 representatives from 24 Pacific Island countries in attendance, this gathering aligns with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Continent, a framework endorsed by leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum.
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