[PDFlist] News from around the Pacific - as of today 9 March, 2020

[Soloveni Vitoso]

In this bulletin:


1. MARSH - Marshall Islands bans all incoming air travellers for fortnight amid coronavirus outbreak<file:///C:/Users/soloveniv/Desktop/PACNEWS%20TWO,%2009%20MARCH%202020.doc#i1>
2. MARSH - Majuro patient tests negative for Covid-19<file:///C:/Users/soloveniv/Desktop/PACNEWS%20TWO,%2009%20MARCH%202020.doc#i2>
3. TONGA - Tonga suspected coronavirus tests negative<file:///C:/Users/soloveniv/Desktop/PACNEWS%20TWO,%2009%20MARCH%202020.doc#i3>
4. FSM - FSM officials discuss economic impact of Covid-19<file:///C:/Users/soloveniv/Desktop/PACNEWS%20TWO,%2009%20MARCH%202020.doc#i4>
5. COOKS - Second Virgin Australia breach of Covid-19 travel ban<file:///C:/Users/soloveniv/Desktop/PACNEWS%20TWO,%2009%20MARCH%202020.doc#i5>
6. Niue - Niue is world's first 'Dark Sky nation'<file:///C:/Users/soloveniv/Desktop/PACNEWS%20TWO,%2009%20MARCH%202020.doc#i6>
7. Vanuatu - Vanuatu Task Force advises against diversion of cruise ships to Vanuatu<file:///C:/Users/soloveniv/Desktop/PACNEWS%20TWO,%2009%20MARCH%202020.doc#i7>
8. United Airlines to reduce flights beginning 30 March in CNMI<file:///C:/Users/soloveniv/Desktop/PACNEWS%20TWO,%2009%20MARCH%202020.doc#i8>
9. Kacific1 broadband services commence across Asia Pacific<file:///C:/Users/soloveniv/Desktop/PACNEWS%20TWO,%2009%20MARCH%202020.doc#i9>
10. COVID-19 Outbreak to Have Significant Economic Impact on Developing Asia<file:///C:/Users/soloveniv/Desktop/PACNEWS%20TWO,%2009%20MARCH%202020.doc#i10>
11. International Women’s Day: Gender equality benefits everyone<file:///C:/Users/soloveniv/Desktop/PACNEWS%20TWO,%2009%20MARCH%202020.doc#i11>




Marshall Islands bans all incoming air travellers for fortnight amid coronavirus outbreak



MAJURO, 09 MARCH 2020 (ABC) --- The small Pacific island nation of Marshall Islands is banning all incoming travellers over the next fortnight, in a bid to protect its people from the growing global coronavirus outbreak.



There are no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country of around 50,000 people, or anywhere in the Pacific.



But the Marshall Islands Health Secretary Jack Niedenthal says the government agreed to introduce the total ban on incoming air travel, to give health officials more time to prepare facilities.



“We had almost unanimous consent to shut the place down for two weeks so we can get ready,” Niedenthal told Pacific Beat.



Niedenthal said he didn't believe they were driving unnecessary fear about the virus.



“An island is a very confined space, and once something like that gets in here, it makes its rounds very quickly and can be very devastating. Some people as many as 20 people living in their house, [there are] very crowded conditions”.



“So we have a lot to protect,” he said.



Marshall Islands has been under a state of health emergency for around eight months, with a dengue fever outbreak seeing almost 1000 people hospitalised and several children dying.



“We don't have a huge amount of nurses and doctors to cover all these places when it does come, so we're worried about the manpower issue”



“And we're tired [because of dengue]...there was one point just a couple of weeks ago that we were getting 200 cases a week. Eighty is a lot for us,” he said.





Majuro patient tests negative for Covid-19



MAJURO, 09 MARCH 2020 (MARIANAS VARIETY) --- Hawaii laboratory tests for a suspected coronavirus case in the Marshall Islands are negative for the illness, reported the Ministry of Health and Human Services Saturday night.



“The results from the Hawaii State Lab were released today and the virus that causes Covid-19 was not detected,” said Health Secretary Jack Niedenthal Saturday. The patient, a 66-year-old man, had been identified as a “patient under investigation” Thursday after exhibiting some of the symptoms of the new coronavirus known as Covid-19.



This means there are currently no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of the Marshall Islands,” said Niedenthal.



The negative results for the Majuro patient follow similarly negative results for suspected Covid-19 patients in Palau and Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. announced the negative results for the visiting American female patient in Palau, while the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation announced the negative test results for a patient on Saipan.



Although the test of the Majuro patient came back negative, Niedenthal advised the public “to remain alert and continue to practice good hygiene to prevent contracting Covid-19.



“As the symptoms of Covid-19 are very similar to other respiratory illnesses (including colds and influenza) it is expected that with time the Ministry will identify more persons requiring investigation for Covid-19,” Niedenthal said. “This should not alarm the public as it is an indication of the high level of alertness and precautionary approach the Ministry is taking in response to this global outbreak.”



Earlier in the day Saturday, the Marshall Islands added Germany to its travel ban, which now contains eight nations from which travelers are banned from entering the Marshall Islands. The other countries and areas are China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, South Korea, Italy and Iran. All have experienced serious outbreaks of Covid-19.



Niedenthal urged “people not to travel to the Marshall Islands at this time.”.



Tonga suspected coronavirus tests negative



NUKU'ALOFA, 09 MARCH 2020 (KANIVA TONGA NEWS) --- Tongan Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa has announced that the patient who was admitted to Vaiola Hospital with suspected coronavirus has tested negative for the disease.



He said the results from the test, conducted by the Victorian Infectious Diseawse Reference Laboratory in Australia was again sent to a lab in New Zealand on Saturday 7 March for a second test.



It was expected the results from the New Zealand test will be received in Tonga today.



The Prime Minister said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has provided Tonga with 30 infra red non contact thermometer to be used at the Fua’amotu International Airport for screening incoming travelers.



The government was expected to receive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) today.



The Taliai Camp at Fua’amotu airport has been set up as a quarantine building for any novel Covid-19 patient.



He reminded the public to continue to wash your hands, and stay in if you are sick in order to delay the spread of the disease.



Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.



COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, according to the release.



Most people who become ill from this disease will recover with rest, fluids, and fever medication, but the department reminds people to still contact your health provider.





FSM officials discuss economic impact of Covid-19



POHNPEI, 09 MARCH 2020 (FSMIS) --- The 21st Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia began its fourth special session on 05 March, 2020.



After the opening session, FSM Vice President Yosiwo P. George, received the Committee to Wait, chaired by Ferny S. Perman, with committee members Joseph J. Urusemal, Aren B. Palik, and Paliknoa K. Welly, to discuss their agenda for this session of the FSM Congress.



It was noted, both in a formal communication to FSM President David W. Panuelo from Speaker Wesley W. Simina, as well during the opening session itself, that the primary purpose of the special session is to review the economic impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus on the FSM.



“We are here to listen to the executive [branch],” Senator Perman began. “One of the main purposes for this special session is to address what’s happening with the coronavirus.”



Senator Perman noted that the 21st FSM Congress’ legal staff, having reviewed the president’s declaration and clarification/s, was uncertain if the U.S. Territory of Guam and the U.S. State of Hawaii were being treated as the rest of the United States (i.e. as a Covid-19 affected country, where travelers to the FSM originating from there are subject to a 14-day delay in a Covid-19 free country). It was requested that the executive branch be clearer in its communications.



“For all [Covid-19 related] intents and purposes,” said Joses R. Gallen, secretary of the FSM Department of Justice, “we are treating Guam and Honolulu as being [separate from] the U.S.”



Senator Perman then noted the economic impact in the FSM due to the travel restrictions in place, and requested that the executive branch prioritise the development of a plan to assist. “We look at the economy today, and we know how it’s affected,” Senator Perman said, “Is there a way that the executive branch is looking at this economic downfall to address it?” Senator Perman cited the hospitality industry as a prime example of an area feeling the economic impact of Covid-19 travel restrictions right now.



The executive branch is aware of formal and informal communications from the hospitality industry regarding the impact of Covid-19-related travel restrictions on their financial wellbeing. To the knowledge of the FSM president, Blue Lagoon Resort in Chuuk State has temporarily closed down, and Manta Ray Resort in Yap State has needed to lay off 60 employees to remain financially solvent.



“The executive [branch] is aware of the negative impact on the nations’ economy,” Vice President George replied.



Rob Solomon, macroeconomic advisor to the FSM, said “surveys are going out to all the hotels and travel operators to establish where we’re at. One of the negative impacts will be a decline in tax revenue this year…tourism is US$20 million industry in the FSM, and that revenue is being spent on people who live here and work here.”



“So here’s what we’re doing,” Solomon continued. “We have to start fast-tracking public projects, priority projects, because from an executive’s point of view we’ve got to stimulate the internal economy.… The President has asked [the Department of Finance & Administration] and [the Department of Transportation, Communication & Infrastructure] to get together and come up [with these plans]. The immediate thing we can do for the economy is move the projects and the things that we have on our books now, so that there will be a big push on public projects and infrastructure — especially the projects that local contractors can get involved in, so that it turns over money in the local economy.”



The executive branch also recommends that the FSM national government look to increase FSM- based travel, i.e. to purposefully hold conferences, seminars, and workshops across the nation instead of in Palikir, as a means of stimulating business.



“In the event that we have a surge of cases [of Covid-19 enter the FSM],” said Dr. Livingston A. Taulung, secretary of the FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs, “at least while we’re looking toward a long-term solution, there are options that we can discuss such as stimulating hotels’ revenue by designating them as quarantine zones. Although we already have quarantine zones in the States, this is something to consider…the collective interest of the nation is important to consider.”



Senator Palik wondered if the executive branch has considered soft loans, low interest, or interest-free loans to the FSM’s private sector, or tax breaks for affected businesses. Senator Palik — a financial expert whose career before politics transformed the Pacific Islands Development Bank — was particularly keen to ensure that the private sector was appropriately represented on the National Covid-19 Task Force.



“Small loans, or grants from the government…tax relief on [quarterly business taxes] — all of those programs are certainly going to be needed, and I would hope that we can start seriously considering those — assuming that things will not be getting better [any time soon],” Senator Palik said. “I agree [with Senator Urusemal] that we will do a comprehensive assessment; some of the [economic] impact will be felt even after the travel ban is lifted.”



Solomon, speaking on behalf of the Department of Finance & Administration and its partnership with the Department of Resources & Development and the Department of Transportation, Communication, & Infrastructure, offered his thoughts on Senator Palik’s remarks. “Those are packages that we can try and look at…at the same time, we need to do what we can internally and quickly. …As for tax breaks, 50% of the [business tax income] goes right back to the FSM states, so we don’t want to strangle the state governments either. Perhaps tax can be delayed…the president has asked the task force to work on the economic issues outside of the health issues.”



Senator Welly, having listened intently to the discussions, offered his view that it’s possible that governments are reacting to the Covid-19 threat (as opposed to being responsive to it.) He noted that the vast majority of the confirmed cases of Covid-19 result in minor symptoms, with most of the cases resulting in a full recovery. “You only see the bad things [in the media], but they don’t tell you how many cases have been recovered. That’s my take — but I want to thank everybody for trying to help the nation in addressing this issue,” Senator Welly said.



The remainder of the meeting focused on foreshadowing a hearing with the Covid-19 Task Force, i.e. that Congress would like to know how the presently appropriated funding has been used, the status of the FSM students in the People’s Republic of China (they’re healthy and being taken care of), the president’s request to reacquire authorisation to access Disaster Assistance Emergency Fund resources, and to confirm or deny whether or not the Republic of Palau had acquired a case of Covid-19.





Second Virgin Australia breach of Covid-19 travel ban



RAROTONGA, 09 MARCH 2020 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS) --- A third person has entered “voluntary self-quarantine” on Rarotonga after arriving in Cook Islands from one of the countries listed in the coronavirus-related travel ban.



The individual, who transited through Singapore, boarded the Virgin Australia flight from Auckland to Rarotonga on Thursday night.



He is the second traveller to breach the Section 9A notice that places a ban on travellers who have visited any one of 14 Asian countries, as well as Italy and Iran, within the last 14 days.



They both took Virgin flights from Auckland.



A Virgin spokesperson said their check-in counter agents operated an honesty policy, relying on information given to them by the passengers.



The airline had received a letter from the Cook Islands Immigration Division notifying them of the latest travel notice. They were trying their best to ensure none of the travellers flying with their airline breached the notice.



Health secretary Dr Josephine Aumea Herman said they had anticipated travellers arriving here within the 14-day quarantine period after visiting one of the banned countries.



Dr Herman said when the initial travel restriction was placed on travellers from China, they had “a few people slip through” in the first week.



And she added when the ban was extended to travellers from 15 other countries, they anticipated the same.



“They became the persons of interest only because we put their country’s name down (in banned list), they have no contact with anybody else (who has coronavirus).”



Dr Herman said the onus was on the airlines to follow the travel notices thoroughly.



“But they can’t keep their eye on all these different lists and every country has their own list, so it’s not necessarily easy. What we found on China’s case, after about a week, no one came through.”



The Section 9A notice denied entry to travellers who had been in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Italy or Iran, in the previous 14 days.



Since the travel ban came into force a week ago, Cook Islands has had more than 20 international flights arrive at Rarotonga airport.





Niue is world's first 'Dark Sky nation'



ALOFI, 09 MARCH 2020 (RNZ PACIFIC) --- Niue has become the world's first 'Dark Sky Place' following the International Dark-Sky Association's (IDA) approval of the island's application for the protection of its sky, land and sea.



The title recognises an area with exceptional quality of starry nights and a commitment to protecting the noctural environment.



Such dark-sky area designations aim to restrict artificial light pollution so that night skies can be observed and enjoyed to their fullest potential.



Tourism Niue said the protection added to current measures, including a marine reserve which was 40 percent of Niue's exclusive economic zone.



The Huvalu Forest Conservation area, which contains some of the world's most threatened flora and fauna, is also protected.



Niue now had a dark-sky community and two dark-sky sanctuaries, said Tourism Niue chief executive Felicity Bollen.



“It's a huge undertaking for us because it shows clearly to the rest of the world that we take very seriously the sustainability of our environment and culture and how precious we hold the land, the sea and now the sky.”



Celebrations were held on Sunday to mark the island's milestone achievement.



Niue now has dark-sky status from the southern edge of Mutalau Village to the northern edge of Hakupu Village.



Both the marine reserve and forest sanctuaries cover 75 percent of the island's land mass, Bollen said.



The initiative, championed by Niue Tourism, received support from the government and community with the whole island coming together to support the project and make the changes.



Andre Siohane, of the Ministry of Infrastructure in Niue, said the government was committed to the protection, management and enhancement of the nation's dark skies.



“Some of the significant measures undertaken by the government include full streetlight replacement for the entire island and the upgrading of domestic private lighting,” he said.



Bollen said dark skies and dark-sky tourism became one of the hottest trends last year.



She said people could travel to Niue to admire the dark sky, and learn about the culture and the mythology from the people who lived on the land.



“Niue is always looking for tourism opportunities, tourism products, and services which have a minimal, negative impact on the environment and culture,” she said.



“Dark sky absolutely meets that criteria.”



Bollen said they had trained "dark-sky ambassadors" who had set up business in the villages and would take tours around the country.



That was a great economic contributor for Niue and for small businesses, and Niue was proud to receive such an important acknowledgement from the IDA.



To be the first country to become a dark sky nation was a massive accomplishment for a small Pacific nation with a population of just over 1600 people, she said.



“The stars and night sky have a huge significance to the Niuean way of life, from a cultural, environmental and health perspective.



“Being a dark sky nation will help protect Niue's night skies for future generations of Niueans and visitors to the country.”



Bollen said the new status sat well with Niue's ethos of protection and conservation at all cost - that tourism had to comply with those standards.



New Zealand couple Richard and Gendie Somerville-Ryan researched and wrote Niue's application, after having previously carried out a successful bid for Great Barrier Island to become a Dark Sky Sanctuary.



Somerville-Ryan said the journey to protect the island's pristine night skies began in mid-2018 when they formed a small team with Niue Tourism.



“We then began to share our excitement about the quality of the island's dark sky with the wider community,” he said in a statement.



“Niueans have a long history of star navigation and a life regulated by lunar cycles and star positions.



“The knowledge of the night skies, held by the elders in the community, has been passed down through the generations.”



Niuean elders now hope the passion to learn the cultural history of the stars is re-ignited in the younger generations.



Elder and cultural guardian Misa Kalutea said Niue's skies had been appreciated for centuries.



The new status added more emphasis to the importance of Niue's traditional knowledge – “providing a reason for the retelling and sharing of this knowledge before it's lost”.



The IDA celebrated Niue's achievement in Arizona where the official announcement was made on Sunday.



Niue's official Dark Sky recognition is set to provide a significant economic opportunity for the small Pacific island with a growing global interest in 'Astro-tourism'.



Vanuatu Task Force advises against diversion of cruise ships to Vanuatu



PORT VILA, 09 MARCH 2020 (VANUATU DAILY POST) --- The National Coronavirus Task Force has advised South Sea Shipping not to accept the diversion of cruise ships to Vanuatu amid coronavirus fears.



Acting Director of the Department of Planning, Policy and Corporate Services of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Media Focal Person of the National Coronavirus Task Force, Russel Tamata, conveyed this when clarifying why Carnival Splendor berthed in Port Vila last Friday when it was not scheduled.



“Carnival Splendor was scheduled for Aneityum and it was cleared before coming to Port Vila,” he said.



“In its previous meetings, the task force had advised South Sea Shipping that we will stick to the normal cruise ship schedule and not accept diversions.”



Carnival Splendor arrived in Port Vila the next day after Golden Princess.



There were fears among the public as there were social media allegations about suspected coronavirus cases on board Golden Princess.



Tamata confirmed 14 passengers on board Golden Princess had flu-like symptoms and they were kept in isolation in their cabins.



“It was just part of our control measures after diagnosing passengers with flu symptoms to keep coronavirus out of our border,” he said.



In its sixth advisory issued last Friday, the task force has advised that people planning to come to Vanuatu via plane or cruise but having symptoms of respiratory illness (flu, running nose, fever, headache, chest pain, or difficulty in breathing) are advised not to come because they will not be allowed entry.



Anyone who originates from or has transited through China, Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Iran and Italy will be denied entry to Vanuatu until further notice.



Residents of Vanuatu are advised not to travel to or transit through any of these ports.



All masters and captains of all foreign vessels coming to Vanuatu must provide a voyage memo (outlining all ports visited during past 14 days), maritime health declaration (certifying health condition of crew and captain on board) and a vaccination list (outlining any case of outbreak on board) to the health surveillance team within 24 hours prior to arrival.



United Airlines to reduce flights beginning 30 March in CNMI



SAIPAN, 09 MARCH 2020 (MARIANAS VARIETY) --- United Airlines is temporarily reducing its flights for a month, Commonwealth Ports Authority Chairman Kimberlyn King-Hinds said on Friday.



She said United Airlines informed CPA that it will be suspending afternoon flights scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday beginning 30 March through 30 April.



But she added that United Airlines’ suspension of flights “is not unique to the CNMI as evidenced by suspension of flights worldwide as a result of the overall impact of Covid-19 on the travel industry.”



Rep. Joseph Leepan T. Guerrero shared with Variety United Airlines Chief Executive Officer Oscar Munoz’ form letter addressed to the airline’s frequent flyer members, assuring that passenger safety “remains our highest priority.”



In the letter with the heading, “Our response to the coronavirus outbreak,” Munoz stated: “We are in the business of serving people and in the midst of this coronavirus outbreak it’s important that we give you as much flexibility as possible when planning your next trip. But it’s also important that we give you as much information as possible about the procedures we follow to clean our aircraft and maintain a sanitary environment once we’re in the air.”



Munoz said United Airlines is “in daily contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organisation, federal agencies and other global health organizations to share the most up-to-the-minute information to ensure the actions we’re taking are comprehensive and appropriate.”



He added, “Our team of in-house medical experts and industrial hygienists oversee our aircraft cleaning procedures to ensure they meet or exceed all CDC guidelines. Hard surfaces such as lavatories, tray tables, window shades and armrests are thoroughly wiped down with a high-grade disinfectant and multi-purpose cleaner. And when we are advised by the CDC of a person who has traveled on board and is potentially exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, that aircraft is taken out of service and sent through a full decontamination process that includes our standard cleaning procedures plus washing ceilings and overhead bins and scrubbing the interior.



Kacific1 broadband services commence across Asia Pacific



SINGAPORE, 09 MARCH 2020 (KACIFIC) --- Kacific Broadband Satellites Group’s (Kacific) first communications satellite, has entered commercial service and is ready to support customers across Asia Pacific.



Designed and manufactured by Boeing, Kacific1 is a high-throughput, ka-band satellite which successfully launched on 16 December 2019 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The payload and bus platform have been thoroughly tested and all 56 spot beams are now operating with full capability from the 150E orbital position.



“From the early design and through the construction phases, we knew that Kacific-1 would provide the Asia-Pacific region with cost-effective technology to transform lives and businesses with the best broadband available to remote areas. Now with the in-orbit tests completed, we can realize this huge potential.”  said Bob Perpall, Chief Technology Officer, Kacific.



“In the two months since launch, we’ve rolled out over a hundred trial sites across Asia Pacific and are extremely pleased with the technology’s performance. When we put up the initial carriers and saw the performance we were getting on that first terminal, we knew then that we had something wonderful to offer people.”



Kacific engineers are upskilling local engineers in the installation and maintenance of the satellite ground technology. The rapid rollout will continue in coming months connecting both new end users and those being transferred from the provisional Ku-band network to Kacific1’s Ka-band services.



Kacific’s affordable, high-speed broadband services are available in these countries through local telecommunications and internet service providers:



Pacific: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Micronesia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.



Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Timor-Leste and Southern Thailand.





COVID-19 Outbreak to Have Significant Economic Impact on Developing Asia



MANILA,09 MARCH 2020 (ADB) --- The ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will have a significant impact on developing Asian economies through numerous channels, including sharp declines in domestic demand, lower tourism and business travel, trade and production linkages, supply disruptions, and health effects, according to a new analysis by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).



The magnitude of the economic losses will depend on how the outbreak evolves, which remains highly uncertain. The range of scenarios explored in the analysis suggests a global impact in the range of US$77 billion to US$347 billion, or 0.1% to 0.4% of global gross domestic product (GDP).



In a moderate scenario, where precautionary behaviors and restrictions such as travel bans start easing 3 months after the outbreak intensified and restrictions were imposed in late January, global losses could reach $156 billion, or 0.2% of global GDP. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) would account for US$103 billion of those losses—or 0.8% of its GDP. The rest of developing Asia would lose US$22 billion, or 0.2% of its GDP.



“There are many uncertainties about COVID-19, including its economic impact,” said ADB Chief Economist Yasuyuki Sawada. “This requires the use of multiple scenarios to provide a clearer picture of potential losses. We hope this analysis can support governments as they prepare clear and decisive responses to mitigate the human and economic impacts of this outbreak.”



The analysis, The Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Developing Asia, presents full details on the scenarios considered. It also presents estimated impact on individual developing Asian economies—and on sectors within these economies—including under a hypothetical “worst case” scenario for a given economy in the event of a significant outbreak. These should not be interpreted as predictions that an outbreak will occur but are meant to provide guidance for governments as they consider appropriate responses.



All scenarios and assessments are available on ADB’s website and will be updated as the situation evolves.



ADB’s response to COVID-19 to date includes US$2 million announced on 7 February to enhance detection, prevention, and response in the PRC and the Greater Mekong Subregion; another US$2 million announced on 26 February to support response in all its developing members; and a CNY130 million (US$18.6 million) private sector loan, signed on 25 February, to Wuhan, PRC-based pharmaceutical distributor Jointown Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. to support the continued supply of essential medicines and personal protective equipment.



ADB stands ready to provide further support to its developing members in their efforts to respond to the adverse impact of COVID-19. ADB will use appropriate means to address the identified needs including through existing and new financial assistance, emergency assistance lending, policy-based lending, private sector investment, and knowledge and technical assistance.





International Women’s Day: Gender equality benefits everyone



NEW YORK, 09 MARCH 2020 (UN NEWS CENTRE) --- The benefits of gender equality are not just for women and girls, but “for everyone whose lives will be changed by a fairer world”, the chief of UN Women said in her message for International Women’s Day (IWD) at UN Headquarters on Friday, being celebrated in New York, ahead of the official day.



As a “massive year for gender equality”, Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said 2020 was all about “Generation Equality”, in which “we’re mobilising to realise women’s rights, and to mark 25 years of implementing the Beijing Platform for Action” – the historic and landmark gender equality plan drawn up in the Chinese capital.



Generation Equality is focussing on issues facing women across generations, with young women and girls at the centre.



“We don’t have an equal world at the moment and women are angry and concerned about the future”, she said. “They are radically impatient for change. It's an impatience that runs deep, and it has been brewing for years”.



Mlambo-Ngcuka underscored that girls are disappointed with “the stewardship of our planet, the unabated violence directed against them and the slow pace of change in fulcrum issues like education”.



“My greatest impatience is with unmoving economic inequality”, calling it “a driver of repeating poverty”.



She asserted that policies are needed that promote equality in childcare responsibilities and provide State support to families, and those who work in the informal economy.



Though “radically impatient”, Mlambo-Ngcuka said: “We are not giving up”.



She cited as cause for hope, growing support in tackling gender-bias barriers; a “driving will” for change across generations and countries; and that the last 25 years “have shown us what is needed to accelerate action for equality”.



‘Just women’



Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee drew loud applause from delegates at the General Assembly hall celebration. Having worked with former child soldiers in Liberia, she shared a conversation she had had with a 14-year-old amputee who had been nine when he was recruited.



In a stark revelation of how women are sometimes viewed, he admitted to having committed rape many times saying, “isn’t that what women were made for”?



The activist also explained how the term “just women”, is used to “underrate and undervalue the work of women” and downplay their significance “on a daily basis”.



“We can’t even begin to have conversations about our human security needs because our values have been taken away”, she underscored.



“‘Just women’ shuts the door firmly on any idea or intention to have a conversation about equality”, but the conversation must be held, she underscored.



Gbowee stressed that in our unjust and unequal world, gender equality must be more than just numbers, spelling out: “Equality is linked to our collective humanity…to peace and justice”.



She maintained that women’s right require actionable, radical transformation through political will, financial resources and ownership.



In closing, the passionate activist urged women to “reclaim the spaces” they have lost.



“It is time for us to own our issues, we must own our agenda, we must own our narrative…the struggle for equality is a long way ahead, but with young women on our side, we can surely win”, concluded Ms. Gbowee.



Women on the front lines



Taking the podium, the youngest female Prime Minister in the world, Finland's Sanna Marin said that her country promotes gender equality as a cornerstone of society.



Turning to inequalities in the labour market, she maintained that “the digital gender cap poses a serious threat to the continued advancement of women and girls”. And the only way to change this is “to get more girls coding, more women into tech, and more women into office where they can exert influence.



In support of all women and girls’ rights, she said “I will not walk back on the progress we have made…and I will push back on anyone who claims that women do not need to be present in government changes and boardrooms”.



Armed with conviction



Inspired by climate activist Greta Thunberg, 14-year-old Alexandria Villase?or has staged a climate strike every Friday – for the past 65 weeks.



She said the wildfires engulfing her native California were a catalyst, noting that women are leading the climate movement and “creating the solutions we need for the climate crisis”.



Meanwhile, the Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women, Mher Margaryan, said: “Our world will never be at peace so long as gender equality and an exchange of basic human rights between men and women are regarded as privilege and luxury”.



Trailblazing women warriors



Secretary-General António Guterres bemoaned that 25 years after the Beijing conference, progress on women’s rights has stalled and even reversed.



“Some countries have rolled back laws that protect women from violence; others are reducing civic space; still others are pursuing economic and immigration policies that indirectly discriminate against women”, he said, adding that “bias against gender equality is growing in some countries”.



“I am a proud feminist”, avowed the UN chief.  “Only through the equal participation of women can we benefit from the intelligence, experience and insights of all of humanity”.



He spoke at length about unsung women heroes, such as American scientist Eunice Foote who proved that changes in carbon dioxide could affect the Earth’s temperature and Tu Youyou, who saved millions of lives around by turning to traditional Chinese medicine for a cure for malaria.



“It is more important than ever for men to stand up for women’s rights and gender equality”, said Mr. Guterres, which is why he is “personally committed” to increasing support for women’s rights “across the board” at the UN.



Over the next two years, he vowed to do everything in his power “to make sure women are represented in all decision-making at the United Nations, including in peace processes”.



Much to do



General Assembly President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande called on everyone, to defend gender equality as “a necessity in upholding human rights”.



Noting that no country has achieved gender parity, he stated, “we have much work to do”.



As we enter the Decade of Action to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Assembly president flagged the need to mainstream SDG 5 – Gender Equality – across all of our work.



“This ensures that women and girls have the opportunity to participate equally in all decisions”, he explained.



And in commemorating ten years of the UN Women entity, he called for support to ‘Generation Equality’ “to guarantee that equality becomes a lived experience for everyone, regardless of gender”.



“By working together…we can galvanize multilateral action to realize the human rights of all women and girls”, he affirmed.



The Celebration



The day also included what was billed as an Intergenerational Fireside Chat in which the head of UN Women, Gbowee and Villase?or were joined by 18-year old fashion model, Aaron Philip, and feminist author and organiser Charlotte Bunch, to discuss women-related issues.



And it was capped by musical performances from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Grammy Award winner, Angélique Kidjo, and other singers.



Elsewhere, hundreds of events had been mobilized to demand progress on closing the gender gap in countries worldwide. A global comic and cartoon competition, around the theme Beijing+25 and Generation Equality was launched in partnership with Belgium, France, Mexico and the European Commission, calling on the younger generation to envision how they see gender equality.


Thanks,


Solo


Soloveni Vitoso
Public Relations & Communications Officer

Pacific Disability Forum
Ground Floor, Kadavu House, Victoria Parade  |  GPO Box 18458  |  Suva, Fiji

Phone: (+679) 3312008  |  (+679) 3307530
Mobile: (+679) 891 2656 (Vodafone)  |  (+679) 844 6016 (Innk)
Fax: (+679) 3310469
Skype: soloveni.vitoso
Email: infor at pacificdisability.org<mailto:ceo at pacificdisability.org>
Website: www.pacificdisability.org<http://www.pacificdisability.org/>

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.pacificdisability.org/pipermail/pdflist_lists.pacificdisability.org/attachments/20200309/42d74922/attachment.html>