In this bulletin:
1. NAURU — Nauru passes Constitutional changes, extends Parliament term to four years
2. UN — UN80 Initiative enters ‘delivery phase’, as Member States review progress on key work areas
3. GUAM — Guam Governor quells fearmongering; nixes calls for emergency declaration amid global fuel crisis
4. FIJI — Fiji authorities warn of dangerous conditions as TC Vaianu intensifies offshore
5. FIJI — Australian flight attendant dies in Nadi road accident
6. PACNEWS BIZ — Flights cancelled and delayed as TC Vaianu disrupts travel
7. PACNEWS BIZ — Palau Senate Bill revives 30-year retirement eligibility for public workers
8. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — From taboo to transformation: fixing Fiji’s sexual and reproductive health gap
9. PACNEWS DIGEST — Speaking the language of the islands: Governance lessons for inclusive agrifood systems in the Pacific
10. PACNEWS DIGEST — Fiji develops digital tracker to monitor disaster preparedness across government
NAURU – CONSTITUTION: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Nauru passes Constitutional changes, extends Parliament term to four years
YAREN, 07 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS)—Nauru has passed major constitutional changes, with Parliament unanimously approving amendments that give it new powers to review failed referendum bills and extend its term to four years.
The Constitution Amendment (No.3) Act 2025 and the Constitution Amendment Act 2025 were passed by Parliament on 26 and 31 March 2026, following a unanimous vote by all 19 Members of Parliament.
The amendment introduces a new Article 84A into the Constitution, giving Parliament the authority to recall and review constitutional amendment bills that failed at referendum.
“The duty of Parliament is to make laws required for the ‘peace, order and good government’, as stated in Article 27, and as such it sees this amendment as necessary for that purpose.”
The amendment was first introduced by President David Adeang in December 2025 and, after a 90-day layover period, received full support in Parliament on 26 March.
Under the new provision, Parliament moved to recall the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025, which had previously been put to a referendum on 11 October 2025 but failed to secure the required two-thirds majority.
Despite this, the government said the proposal met the threshold under the new Article 84A.
“The proportion that supported the referendum was 44.7 percent. This meets the threshold requirement under Article 84A requiring at least 40 percent in order to be recalled by Parliament for debate.”
Following the recall, Parliament voted again, with all 19 members backing the amendment, effectively turning the proposal into law.
The key change now in force is the extension of Parliament’s term from three years to four years.
Parliament said the move is aimed at improving governance and stability.
“Parliament affirms that a four-year term has advantages including restoring balance, provide stability and continuity for governments to plan, consult and implement reforms.”
The statement said frequent elections place pressure on national resources and disrupt long-term planning.
“Elections are expensive and places strain on resources, personnel and the national budget.”
The government said the longer term will allow better alignment with national development priorities and international practice.
“It allows government to work in parallel with national development goals which are long term by nature, as well as align with other stable democracies who serve four or five-year terms.”
The amendment also reinforces Parliament’s role in lawmaking and constitutional review, particularly in cases where referendum outcomes fall short of the required majority but still show significant public support.
“Cabinet is desirous of pursuing the proposed amendment for peace, order and good government.”
The government said the changes will strengthen democratic processes and improve decision-making.
“The amendment strengthens democracy and gives any government the time required to govern responsibly, to legislate carefully, and to deliver meaningfully for the people.”….PACNEWS
UN – REFORM: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 2: Tue 07 Apr 2026
UN80 Initiative enters ‘delivery phase’, as Member States review progress on key work areas
NEW YORK, 07 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE)—Top officials updated Member States Monday on selected proposals under the UN80 reform initiative, including an initial assessment of a possible merger between gender equality agency, UN Women, and the UN reproductive health agency, UNFPA, as well as updates on the technology and data tracks.
Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy, said the broader reform effort is now moving into a new stage.
“We are now entering the delivery-focused phase of our work, building on the momentum generated by recent achievements”.
Launched last year, the UN80 Initiative is a system-wide effort to reshape how the United Nations works so that every mandate, dollar and decision delivers greater impact for people and planet.
Under the UN80 Action Plan, it brings together 86 actions to strengthen how the entire system delivers across peace and security, development, human rights and humanitarian assistance, grouped into related ‘work packages’.
Ryder pointed to recent progress, including the General Assembly’s adoption last week of a landmark resolution to strengthen how UN mandates are created, implemented and reviewed, as well as the completion of more than 80 per cent of early milestones across the Action Plan.
A consolidated report set to be published next month, he added, will set out “a clear and comprehensive overview of where we stand on each work package, and the pathways and timelines for their completion.”
One of the most closely watched elements of the briefing was the presentation of an initial assessment of a possible merger between UNFPA and UN Women.
Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed framed the discussion against a rapidly changing global context.
“UNFPA and UN Women have demonstrated their ability to deliver results consistently for women and girls and youth over the decades, but the context is evolving and complex,” she said. “So, we know that the status quo is not an option.”
The preliminary findings suggest that a unified institutional framework could bring together the UN Women’s gender expertise and UNFPA’s mandate on sexual and reproductive health and rights into a single platform, with the potential to strengthen coherence, expand reach and improve delivery across more than 150 countries and territories.
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, emphasised that the question is not whether the two entities are performing, but whether the current structure is sufficient for the challenges ahead.
“The issue is whether…a different configuration could better equip the UN system to translate globally agreed commitments into more consistent and scalable and impactful results for women, girls and youth,” she said.
For Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, the assessment pointed to both opportunity and complexity.
“A potential merger of this scale is very complex,” she said, adding that “phased sequencing and explicit operational safeguards would be essential to ensure continuity of delivery.”
Ultimately, officials stressed, the decision rests with Member States.
If the merger proposal points to structural change, the technology work package focuses on something more operational: how the UN actually functions behind the scenes.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), described a system that is both heavily invested in technology and constrained by how it is organised.
“This level of investment underscores both the strategic importance of ICT, but it also underscores the opportunity to optimise how these resources are used,” she said, noting that the UN spends around US$2.5 billion annually on digital infrastructure.
The problem, she suggested, is less about tools than about structure.
“The main bottleneck is not technology itself, but it’s actually fragmentation…funding constraints and governance complexity,” she said.
The proposed solution is to scale up shared services, reduce duplication, and build a system-wide platform to accelerate the use of digital and artificial intelligence tools, an effort intended to make the UN more connected, and ultimately more effective.
Meanwhile, under the data work package, the UN is developing a UN Data Commons, a single public platform designed to bring together datasets and official statistics that are currently scattered across agencies.
Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, said the goal is straightforward.
“Member States need timely, trusted and easy-to-use data,” he said, noting that fragmentation has made it harder to fully use the UN’s vast information resources.
The platform, expected to be operational by September 2026, would offer a single point of access, reducing duplication and making data easier to compare and apply.
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, said the effort is also about building a stronger foundation for how data is organised and shared.
“If we get this programme right, Member States and other users will benefit from one place to find trusted data and from a stronger foundation to keep that data reliable, usable and relevant over time,” she said.
Progress under the UN80 Initiative can be tracked through a public dashboard, which provides an overview of actions, timelines and implementation across the system.
The General Assembly continues to hold monthly informal briefings on the Initiative, with the next scheduled for 29 April. …PACNEWS
GUAM – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Guam Governor quells fearmongering; nixes calls for emergency declaration amid global fuel crisis
HAGATNA, 07 APRIL 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—Allaying fears of a possible fuel shortage, Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has declined calls to declare a state of emergency, assuring residents that Guam’s energy supply remains stable.
“I have been asked by some in the legislature to declare a state of emergency based on the fear of a fuel shortage. A fear that is being stoked by the attorney general,” the governor said in a special video message to the public.
While acknowledging that the unabated war in Iran has driven up global prices, the governor said she was assured by private fuel distributors, the Guam Power Authority (GPA), and military installations that there is currently no indication of any immediate shortage.
“Everyone is telling me the same thing: fuel supply remains stable. Fuel supply is here. And our supply lines are intact,” the governor said.
The conflict continues to disrupt key oil transit routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. Fuel prices have increased worldwide—impacting families across Guam.
In a letter to the governor, Senator Jesse Lujan noted that Guam has experienced a rapid and severe escalation in fuel and shipping costs, driven by disruptions to global oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz.
He cited the GPA’s report that its next fuel shipment, expected to arrive on or around 15 April, may cost approximately US$60 million — more than double the historical norm of US$24 to US$25 million per shipment.
GPA’s supplier has further warned of challenges in securing cargo for the May shipment due to reduced refinery operations and government directives abroad to prioritize domestic supply.
In response, the governor said, “No executive order gives a governor superpowers. And no emergency declaration from Guam can reopen the Strait of Hormuz.”
The Marshall Islands was the first nation to declare a state of economic emergency in response to the geopolitical ripples caused by the escalating U.S-Israel war on Iran. President Hilda Heine issued the declaration on 26 March.
The Philippines followed suit on 28 March.
As for the senator’s request for an executive declaration of a state of emergency, the governor said: “Such actions must be grounded in clear and immediate threats to public safety or the continuity of essential services.”
Guam’s current conditions have not reached a level that would warrant an emergency declaration, she added.
Lujan has also proposed reappropriating the remaining US$104 million currently in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to provide relief to Guam consumers.
“With an estimated 65,000 taxpayers on Guam, a reappropriation for direct relief could provide roughly US$1,600 per taxpayer,” Lujan said. “That is real and meaningful relief. More importantly, it empowers families to determine for themselves what their most urgent need is: whether that be rent, childcare, groceries, fuel, utility bills, school supplies, or medical expenses.”
The governor, however, said the federal funds in question are restricted.
“The government of Guam has already received guidance from the U.S Department of the Treasury outlining allowable and prohibited uses of these funds,” Leon Guerrero said in a letter responding to Lujan.
“Based on that guidance, the type of direct, across-the-board payments being proposed is not an authorised use of SLRF funds. We remain committed to ensuring that all federal funds are used in full compliance with applicable rules and requirements while continuing to explore other lawful and responsible ways to support our residents,” she added……PACNEWS
FIJI – WEATHER WATCH: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Fiji authorities warn of dangerous conditions as TC Vaianu intensifies offshore
SUVA, 07 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN)–Even without a direct hit, Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to bring severe weather conditions across Fiji, including heavy rain, strong winds and flooding.
This was made clear by Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management acting permanent secretary, Mitieli Cama.
“Let me be clear, dangerous weather conditions are expected across the country,”Cama said.
The cyclone, now a category three system, was located near 16.8S 174.0E or about 380km west of Yasawa-i-Rara and 380km west-northwest of Nadi at 3:00am today.
“The slow movement of this system significantly increases the risk of prolonged heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides.”
Across Fiji, heavy rain warnings and flash-flood alerts are in force, and authorities urge communities to remain on high alert.
“The impact is already being felt. In the Eastern Division, evacuation centres have been activated, with several families relocated to safer grounds. “Our response teams are on the ground, and we remain on standby to assist affected communities,” Mr Cama said.
People living in low-lying and flood-prone areas are warned not to take risks.
“Do not attempt to cross flooded roads, rivers, or crossings under any circumstances.”
Schools will remain closed as a precaution, while the public is advised to limit travel and stay indoors as conditions worsen.
“If evacuation is necessary, move early while it is still safe, do not wait until it is too late.”
For rural and maritime communities with limited communication, officials rely on local networks and community leaders to share timely information……PACNEWS
FIJI – AIRLINE ATTENDANT: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Australian flight attendant dies in Nadi road accident
NADI, 07 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—An Australian flight attendant has died following a road accident in Nadi, Fiji, according to reports by the Daily Mail in Australia.
The report identified the victim as Lucinta Evans, a Sydney-based crew member with Virgin Australia, who passed away on March 28, just days after celebrating her 28th birthday.
It is understood Ms Evans was involved in a road accident in Nadi. Images shared online showed flowers placed at the roadside where the incident is believed to have occurred.
In a funeral notice, her family described her as “bold, open and full of life”, asking mourners to wear colourful clothing in tribute to her vibrant personality.
Her sister, Gabriana Evans, said in an online post that the family was struggling to come to terms with the loss.
“She was truly full of life, with a light and energy that touched everyone who knew her,” she said requesting privacy as the family grieves.
According to the Daily Mail, a fundraising campaign has also been launched to support her family, with part of the proceeds intended to help improve safety at the location of the accident.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, particularly among Virgin Australia’s Fijian cabin crew, who described Ms Evans as a cherished member of their aviation family….PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – AIRLINE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Flights cancelled and delayed as TC Vaianu disrupts travel
NADI, 07 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Severe weather conditions associated with Tropical Cyclone Vaianu have led to widespread flight disruptions in and out of Nadi today, states Fiji Airports.
In an advisory to travellers, Fiji Airways confirmed that its morning departures have been delayed, while all Fiji Link flights for the day have been cancelled.
Several international carriers have also suspended operations, with all flights to and from Nadi by Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia cancelled.
Affected services include JQ119/120, VA175/176, VA181/182, VA195/196 and QF101/102 which are cancelled.
Flights operated by Air New Zealand, including NZ952/953, have also been cancelled.
Meanwhile, flight ON017 has been delayed, with an estimated arrival time of 10.50pm.
Travellers are being urged to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates and assistance with rebooking as adverse weather continues to impact operations…PACNEWS
PALAU – RETIREMENT ELIGIBILITY: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Palau Senate Bill revives 30-year retirement eligibility for Public workers
KOROR, 07 APRIL 2026 (ISLAND TIMES)—A bill to re-establish the 30 years’ service as a retirement eligibility threshold and 25 years for ‘strenuous public safety positions’ despite the 60 years retirement age requirement was introduced by Palau Senator Mark Rudimch last Wednesday Senate session.
Senate Bill No. 12-61 will make employees who have not yet reached the 60-year-old retirement threshold but have completed 30 years of service to the government eligible to retire and receive retirement benefits under the Civil Service Pension Plan.
The bill also seeks to establish an earlier eligibility for employees of strenuous public safety positions, enabling them to retire after 25 years of service. Strenuous public safety positions are defined as those requiring sustained physical exertion, regular exposure to hazardous, dangerous, or high-risk conditions as an essential and recurring function of the job, such as law enforcement officers, fire and rescue personnel, or other comparable positions to be determined by the director of the Bureau of the Public Service System.
The bill states that long-term public service warrants recognition and that retirement policy should not operate in a manner that effectively compels continued employment to access earned pension benefits.
During the session, Rudimch said that “the purpose of the bill will give people in positions that require constant physical activity the chance to retire early”.
The bill specifically addressed retirement eligibility for pension benefits but was silent on Social Security retirement benefits. It states that those who will retire based on years of service rather than the retirement age will receive reduced retirement benefits, whereas those who retire by service but defer receiving pension benefits until they are 60 will receive full, unreduced retirement benefits.
The bill mandates that such reduced benefits shall be determined by an actuarial study, which will calculate an actuarial present value of the reduced benefit to be equivalent to the actuarial present value of an unreduced benefit payable to the employee had he commenced receiving pension benefits at sixty.
The bill passed its first reading alongside the major pension reform bill to completely reform the Civil Service Pension Plan….PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
From taboo to transformation: fixing Fiji’s sexual and reproductive health gap
By Kristie Drucza, Kate Learmonth and Mosese Qasenivalu
SUVA, 07 APRIL 2026 (DEVPOLICY.ORG)—Fiji is facing a worsening sexual and reproductive health crisis that is hurting young people, families and the economy, but new community research shows that Fijians already have practical solutions that could turn things around if they were properly supported.
Rising teenage pregnancy, high rates of sexually transmitted infections and HIV, and widespread violence in relationships are making it harder for girls to stay in school, work and plan their futures. These problems are not just about individual choices. They are rooted in gender inequality, silence and shame around sex, and services that often feel unwelcoming or unsafe, especially for young people and those who already face discrimination. At the same time, Fiji has a strong policy foundation and a long history of valuing family and community care, which means there is a real chance now to match commitments with action.
Recent community-based research in six urban, peri-urban, rural and maritime communities brought together 103 young people, parents, community leaders, health workers, faith leaders, sex workers and people with disabilities to talk about what is happening and what needs to change. Many youth described sex as something that is “unspoken” at home, with parents and elders acting as gatekeepers to information and often using shame or fear rather than open conversation.
Schools are not filling the gap. Young people said Fiji’s Family Life Education classes are basic and moralistic, with topics like consent, contraception, pleasure, diverse sexualities and healthy relationships often skipped altogether. In this silence, many turn to friends, social media and pornography for answers, which can reinforce harmful ideas about masculinity, women’s autonomy and what counts as “normal” in a relationship.
When young people or women do try to seek help, they often find services that do not feel safe. Participants across all research sites described health facilities where staff gossip about clients seeking contraception or HIV tests, speak harshly to unmarried girls, sex workers or people with disabilities, and sometimes breach confidentiality in ways that make the whole community aware of someone’s private choices.
Young people talked about avoiding HIV testing or contraception because they fear being judged or exposed, while rural communities face extra obstacles like long travel distances, high transport costs, staff shortages and limited clinic hours. When violence or coercion occurs, schools, clinics, police and social welfare services rarely work together, so survivors are left without joined-up, survivor-centred support and many cases never come to light.
The research highlights how deeply gendered power imbalances shape reproductive decisions and leave many women feeling they have “no good options”. Women described having little say over when sex happens, whether contraception is used or how many children they have, with attempts to negotiate condom use sometimes triggering verbal or physical violence.
Myths and misinformation about modern methods are widespread. Injections and implants are often blamed for infertility or cancer, and condoms are sometimes seen as only for “strangers” or “prostitutes”, not for protecting health within relationships.
For girls who become pregnant outside marriage or experience sexual violence, stigma and family pressure can be so intense that some see suicide or unsafe abortion as the only way out, relying on informal and dangerous methods rather than safe, confidential services.
A snapshot of key statistics shows how serious the situation has become and why community-led solutions matter.
These numbers sit behind the stories of girls leaving school, women trapped in violent relationships, and families struggling with illness and lost income. The economic estimates suggest that sexual and reproductive health gaps are costing Fiji hundreds of millions of dollars a year in lost productivity, higher health spending and reduced participation in work and education.
The research also shows that some groups face even higher barriers and harms). People with disabilities often encounter clinics that are physically inaccessible, assumptions that they are asexual, and situations where others make reproductive decisions on their behalf. Many women with disabilities face heightened risk of gender-based violence and are blamed, shamed or isolated when abuse occurs.
Sex workers report being judged and humiliated in health settings, with confidentiality frequently breached, so many only attend services in emergencies.
Fijians with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions described being stared at, questioned in invasive ways or refused care in some clinics, and some reported being thrown out of their home or their church when their identity became known. Many said they simply avoid mainstream services and instead depend on inclusive clinics and community organisations that treat them with respect.
Fiji’s religious and geographic diversity shapes how these challenges are experienced. In many Methodist and Catholic iTaukei communities, abstinence-only messages and opposition to contraception still dominate. Other churches, including some Pentecostal and independent congregations, are beginning to talk more openly about health, protection and responsible decision-making, and some pastors now actively support modern contraception to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.
Despite this difficult picture, the study documents many home-grown solutions that are already working in Fijian communities and could be scaled with the right support. Some faith leaders are reframing discussions about bodies and relationships through values of compassion, care and responsibility, opening space in youth programs and sermons for more honest conversations. Women’s groups and church fellowships provide safe spaces where women and girls can talk openly, support each other in accessing services, and challenge harmful gender norms. Youth advocates are running peer education sessions, social media campaigns and community events that give young people language and tools to navigate relationships and make informed choices.
If the Fiji government, donors and community organisations back these local solutions with long-term, flexible funding and policy reform, Fiji can shift from crisis management to prevention and transformation.
That means investing in comprehensive, culturally grounded sexuality education that covers consent, pleasure and diverse experiences, expanding youth-friendly clinics, building strong referral pathways so survivors of violence get joined-up support, and putting inclusion at the centre of all decisions, with resources earmarked for disability-accessible facilities and services that welcome everyone.
It also means supporting Fijian leaders, from pastors to youth activists to women with disabilities, who are already bridging gaps between tradition and change and helping communities talk about topics that were once taboo….PACNEWS
Kristie Drucza is the CEO of Includovate.
Kate Learmonth was formerly the Senior Pacific Senior Gender Based Violence Advisor for the International Planned Parenthood Federation based in Suva, Fiji.
Mosese Qasenivalu is an independent consultant based in Fiji.
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Speaking the language of the islands: Governance lessons for inclusive agrifood systems in the Pacific
By Fiasili Lam & Malia Talakai
APIA, 07 APRIL 2026 (FAO)—Across the Pacific Islands, governance of agrifood systems depends not only on policies and institutions, but also on how well people are heard. From farmers and shopkeepers to women’s groups, community and youth leaders, meaningful participation requires engagement methods that respect local languages, cultures, and the geographic realities of the region.
Drawing on experiences from project implementation, policy consultations, training and workshops supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), we have seen firsthand that inclusive governance in Pacific agrifood systems requires more than technical expertise. It demands deep understanding of local contexts – from language and cultural protocols to the logistical challenges of reaching remote island communities.
Language: The gateway to meaningful participation
One of the most immediate barriers to inclusive dialogue in the Pacific is language. While many stakeholders – particularly government officials – may understand English, discussions often become significantly more productive when conducted in local languages.
During recent consultations in Samoa, Tonga and Kiribati, for example, workshops often began with presentations in English from us, colleagues from the subregional office who don’t necessarily speak the local languages. But then, the discussions quickly shifted into local languages as participants engaged with one another. This shift transformed the discussions. Stakeholders felt more comfortable expressing nuanced perspectives and practical concerns when speaking their own language.
The difference is noticeable. When facilitators rely solely on English, discussions can remain limited, with participants hesitant to contribute fully. But once the conversation moves into the local language, participation becomes livelier and more substantive.
For this reason, FAO-supported consultations frequently rely on national focal points, local consultants, or ministry representatives to lead discussions. These national experts act as bridges between international technical teams and local stakeholders. They translate not only words, but also context, ensuring that discussions capture the realities of farmers, communities, and local markets.
This approach is essential for ensuring that agrifood policies reflect the lived experiences of those most directly affected.
Geography: Small islands, vast distances
The Pacific Islands may appear small on a map, but the distances between communities can be enormous. Countries like Tonga, Kiribati, and Solomon Islands consist of widely dispersed islands, many accessible only by infrequent boats or small aircraft.
This geography presents a major challenge for inclusive stakeholder engagement. In Tonga, for instance, consultations on food and livestock policy required travel beyond the capital island of Tongatapu to reach outer islands where key agricultural and tourism activities take place. Discussions in Vavaʻu revealed policy priorities that had not emerged during earlier meetings in the capital, including concerns about food loss and waste linked to tourism development.
Such insights illustrate why geographic inclusion matters. If consultations only take place in capital cities, policies risk overlooking the realities of outer island communities.
However, reaching these communities can be extremely expensive and logistically complex. Travel schedules are unreliable, journeys may take several days, and budgets often limit the number of locations that can be visited. In some cases, representatives from remote islands are invited to join consultations in the capital when they are already traveling there for other national events, thereby reducing overall costs.
Creative solutions like these help broaden participation, but they also highlight the need for greater resources to ensure inclusive engagement across dispersed island nations.
Culture and protocol: Respecting how communities engage
Beyond language and geography, cultural protocols play a central role in how consultations unfold in the Pacific. In several locations, meetings commonly begin with prayers, and speaking orders may follow established social structures within villages. Chiefs or senior leaders may speak first, while others contribute later. In some cases, women or youth may feel hesitant to voice opinions in large mixed gatherings, particularly if village leaders are present.
These dynamics vary widely across the region. The Pacific includes diverse cultural groupings – Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia – each with its own social norms and governance traditions. Even within a single country, protocols may differ between communities.
Understanding and respecting these norms is essential for building trust. International experts cannot simply arrive and facilitate discussions without guidance. Local ministries and national consultants often advise on appropriate protocols, ensuring that consultations are conducted respectfully and effectively.
At the same time, facilitation approaches can be adapted to encourage broader participation. For example, creating smaller breakout groups or separate discussions for women and youth can provide safer spaces for participants who may be reluctant to speak in larger forums.
Ensuring no one is left behind
Inclusivity in agrifood governance also requires deliberate attention to groups that may otherwise be overlooked. Women’s groups, youth representatives, and remote island communities are among those that can face barriers to participation.
Encouragingly, women are increasingly visible in consultations across the region, often mobilized through church networks or community organisations. Youth participation is also growing, particularly in government and urban settings. However, ensuring their voices are heard still requires careful facilitation and extra efforts to include them.
Funding constraints can also limit participation. Development programmes often face pressure to reach large numbers of beneficiaries with relatively modest budgets – a challenge in regions where travel costs alone can consume significant resources.
In such contexts, the goal should not be simply reaching the largest number of participants, but achieving meaningful impact for the communities involved.
Closing the feedback loop
Another critical aspect of inclusive governance is maintaining trust with communities. Consultations generate valuable inputs, but participants also want to know how their contributions influence final policies or programmes.
Too often, feedback does not flow back to communities once consultations end. Returning with summaries of discussions, updates on policy progress, or explanations of decisions can help strengthen relationships and reinforce the value of community participation.
For agrifood systems governance in the Pacific, these lessons are clear. Effective policymaking depends on listening – not only broadly, but carefully and respectfully. When consultations are grounded in local languages, cultural understanding, and genuine efforts to reach dispersed communities, they become more than procedural exercises. They become meaningful dialogues that shape policies rooted in the realities of Pacific Island societies. These considerations may be valuable for other countries, too.
And in a region where communities are deeply connected to their land, oceans, and agrifood systems, that kind of dialogue is essential for building resilient and inclusive agrifood futures. …. PACNEWS
Fiasili Lam is a Policy Officer at FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands.
Malia Talakai is a Natural Resources Officer at FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands.
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Fiji develops digital tracker to monitor disaster preparedness across government
NADI, 07 APRIL 2026 (SPC)— Fiji has completed training officials from roughly 30 ministries and agencies to use a new online system that, for the first time, will let the government track disaster risk reduction work across every sector from a single platform.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy Online Tracker replaces a manual reporting process that officials say makes it challenging to measure whether the country’s disaster preparedness policies are being carried out.
Fiji faces average annual disaster losses of FJD 158 million from earthquakes and tropical cyclones, according to World Bank estimates, and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific puts the country’s estimated average annual loss at a minimum of 7 percent of GDP.
The Pacific Community (SPC) developed the tracker under its Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific II (BSRP II) programme, funded by the European Union (EU). The EU invested approximately EUR 128,326 (about FJD$300,000(US$150,000) in this component of support for Fiji’s disaster risk reduction efforts.
A five-day training workshop held from 23 to 27 March introduced the system to roughly 50 participants, including Disaster Service Liaison Officers, ministry representatives, and technical staff from the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO). The workshop combined demonstrations, hands-on practice, sector sessions, and simulation exercises, and also collected user feedback for final adjustments to the platform.
Opening the workshop, Acting Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Risk Management, Mitieli Cama, emphasised that reliable information is the backbone of effective decision-making.
“This tracker gives us a digital platform that brings all DRR efforts into one place, ensuring that ministries can report progress in real time and identify where support is needed. It represents a major step forward in strengthening evidence‑based planning and improving how we manage resilience across Fiji,” he said.
He added, “DRR requires coordinated action across all sectors, and the new system helps make this collective responsibility clearer and more accountable by providing visibility on progress and gaps and ensuring DRR is embedded across Fiji’s development pathway.”
The SPC Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division’s Deputy Director for the Disaster and Water Resilience Programme (DWRP), Litea Biukoto, said,
“The Pacific Community is honoured to work alongside the Government of Fiji, in particular the National Disaster Risk Management Office, to operationalise the systems and capabilities that bring the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy to life at national and sub-national levels.”
Acting Head of Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Fiji, Carine Hanssens, described the tracker as a tool for enabling improved monitoring of DRR initiatives, strengthening coordination across ministries and enhancing transparency and accountability in national reporting.
“The EU is pleased to partner with the Fiji NDMO and the Pacific Community through BSRP II to embed and operationalise Disaster Risk Management across key sectors, ensuring that a disaster risk lens is applied to national planning and financing.”
Apart from monitoring progress in implementing the many action items under Fiji’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy, the system will also align with national, regional, and global reporting frameworks, including Fiji’s obligations under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 – 2030.
According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, as of March 2024, 24 of 38 Small Island Developing States (64% had reported having national DRR strategies in place, though challenges remain in disaster data collection and access to resources for implementation
SPC will continue to work closely with Galexo Consulting and the NDRMO as the tracker is refined and rolled out nationally to strengthen disaster risk reduction monitoring and evidence-based planning…..PACNEWS
