Leaders from across the Pacific region are set to convene at the Pacific Regional Dialogue, aimed at addressing critical issues such as climate change, food insecurity, and economic vulnerability through the lens of cooperatives. The event will take place in Nadi from tomorrow until January 30, gathering senior government officials, cooperative leaders, and Development Partners.
This three-day dialogue is being jointly organized by the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) and Fiji’s Department of Cooperative Business, with support from the ICA–EU Financial Framework Partnership Agreement. Participants will gather at Tokatoka Resort for an enriching program.
The opening day will feature keynote addresses and a regional panel discussion focused on the role of cooperatives in promoting a blue-green economy in the Pacific. Key topics will include policy and legal frameworks that support cooperative development, innovative financing solutions, and the adoption of technology to enhance cooperative ecosystems.
A significant emphasis will be placed on empowering women, youth, and indigenous communities to take on active leadership roles within the cooperative movement. By fostering inclusive participation, the dialogue seeks to create a stronger, more resilient cooperative sector across the region.
A primary goal of the conference is the formulation of a Pacific Island Cooperative Action Agenda that aligns with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This agenda will serve to unify regional priorities and strengthen the Pacific Island Cooperative Network as a platform for ongoing collaboration.
The program will conclude with visits to local cooperatives, allowing participants to gain valuable insights into sustainable livelihoods and community resilience being demonstrated in Fiji. This initiative represents not just a dialogue, but a hopeful step toward a more sustainable future for the Pacific region through cooperative efforts.