A recent meeting in Fiji has highlighted the vital role that cooperatives play in promoting a blue-green economy across the Pacific region. The Pacific Regional Dialogue on Cooperatives as Drivers of the Blue-Green Economy, held in Nadi for two days, brought together senior government officials, cooperative leaders, and development partners from both the Pacific and Asia. The focus of the discussions was on how cooperative models can drive inclusive economic growth, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the resilience of communities.
At the event’s conclusion, Fiji’s Roving Ambassador to the Pacific, Mr. William Brown Toganivalu, expressed a strengthened appreciation among participants for the diverse benefits that cooperatives offer. He remarked that cooperatives should be viewed not merely as business entities, but as powerful mechanisms for achieving developmental goals that align with Pacific values and prioritize the well-being of communities.
The wide range of participants, which included representatives from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Fiji, as well as representatives from international cooperative organizations, underscores a strong commitment both regionally and globally to enhancing the cooperative movement in the Pacific.
This gathering provided a promising outlook on the potential of cooperative systems to foster not only economic stability but also a sustainable future that is responsive to the aspirations of communities while preserving environmental health across the Pacific islands.