The Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (PIANGO) is advocating for the Pacific Australia Skills (PAS) program to prioritize empowering women, enhancing accountability, and promoting climate action in the Pacific region’s training and development efforts. During a dialogue with program representatives, PIANGO’s Executive Director, Emeline Ilolahia, emphasized the urgent need for skills development targeting women impacted by the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Ilolahia pointed out the significant dual responsibilities women shoulder when their family members participate in these programs, underscoring the necessity for focused training that supports their personal and economic growth.
PIANGO is committed to maintaining high accountability standards through its IAM Self-Assessment Toolkit. This tool plays a crucial role in ensuring that obligations toward localization and a strong civil society are fulfilled, benefiting both PIANGO’s National Liaison Units and broader donor and partner communities who are expected to adhere to these principles.
On the front of climate action, PIANGO highlighted the need to convert global discussions into practical grassroots initiatives. Ilolahia called for a bridge between international forums, such as COP summits, and community-level efforts. She underscored the importance of providing Pacific youth with platforms to lead climate discourse and initiatives, thereby cultivating a new cadre of leaders who can advocate effectively for their communities.
As the PAS program takes over from the former Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), PIANGO’s insights could significantly influence the future direction of skills development efforts in the Pacific. Their recommendations for a more inclusive and accountable framework align with broader regional goals, as stakeholders recognize the critical need for localized and sustainable solutions to the socio-economic and environmental challenges confronting Pacific nations.