Welcome remarks delievered by the Acting Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Desna Solofa
at the Pacific Child Wellbeing Summit, Suva, Fiji.
26 February 2025
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen
Bula Vinaka, Talofa and a very Good Morning to you all.
It is with deep respect that I stand before you this morning to make a few remarks on the importance of our youngest regional citizens as we discuss a way forward for the future of our children.
Honourable Ministers, we can all agree that the world our children are growing up in is significantly different from that we experienced. Pacific children now face new opportunities and challenges from navigating the digital age, confronting the increased impacts of climate change and grappling with significant mental health issues and violence which affect their wellbeing.
These shifting dynamics, and evolving global challenges, require all of us to adapt how we approach children’s education, health, safeguards and well-being.
In recognition of this, Pacific Leaders set a long-term vision for securing the future of our region through the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, our blueprint to working as a collective for our region’s future.
The children of our Blue Pacific are the future. We must invest in their future by providing them with the opportunities, support, and safe environment they need so they reach their full potential
To realise this, it is important to reaffirm our Leaders’ commitment of working as one Blue Pacific for a prosperous future for our children and a resilient, Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity that ensures all Pacific peoples can lead, free, healthy and productive lives.
I wish you well on your discussions and I thank you for your commitment to guarantee that every child has the right to the best start in life.
I thank you.
[ENDS]
