2022-11-22
Press Release - Civil Society Currents of Change: People Leading Transformative Partnership for a United Pacific
The Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisation (PIANGO) with its 24-member countries today reminded to build genuine relationships as they unpack their learnings and experiences from across the Pacific to form the partnership that they need to take the Pacific forward.
Momo Na Tui Nadi, Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci while opening PIANGO’s 9th Council at Tokatoka Resort in Nadi said the time is here to safeguard our people and our land to build relationships for a Pacific solutions based on our understanding of communal living and values that we have.
With the theme “Civil Society Currents of Change: People Leading Transformative Partnership for a United Pacific” Ratu Vuniyani said this will set the scene for the conversation of our Pacific families asserting ourselves as the currents of change to influence our people and our communities to lead that change that we want to see through transformative partnership for a United Pacific.
“I acknowledge PIANGO’s diverse network of civil society across the Pacific region and share my appreciation of their recognition of the traditional systems and how it works in the community,” he said.
“If one thing we learned from the pandemic is the fact that we have existing traditional systems that has been in existence for years and we need to invest in those systems to strengthen the resilience of our people and our communities.
PIANGO Board Chair, Inia Barry said the Pacific people are connected by land and people centered development is at the heart of PIANGO’s work with its 24 members across the region.
“Transformation means unity focusing on the well-being of our people and we believed that we must be the change during this trying times ,” Mr Barry said.
Ratu Vuniyani said the recognition of his Traditional role by PIANGO signalled to other groups and constituencies that they need to uphold the cultural values that upholds men, women, youth and people with disability but most of all uphold the customs and how the interact with Traditional Leaders and their community.
“It is also fitting that the gathering of the Council is here in Tokatoka, in the iTaukei it means ‘close family, so the foundation of this gathering is of Pacific families from Micronesia, Polynesia and Melanesia ,”Ratu Vuniyani said.
“The traditional systems are vital for the community to establish its importance in the cultural day to day of the community carrying out its own affairs and decisions, he added.
Ratu Vuniyani said the conversation about climate change and climate displaced communities, socio-economic and environmental challenges that our communities are often perceived not to have much to contribute to the formulation of public policies so they are left out.
“Communities especially women hold those wisdoms as they live those experiences and when crisis hit, they learn to adapt and continue because its home, where would they go,” he said.
The Council will conclude on Friday with the celebration of Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) 65th Anniversary as they continue to empower our communities through volunteerism and dedication.
