[PDFlist] PDF – Pasifika Weekly Update 2025

[Soloveni Vitoso]

Warm Greetings from the Pacific Disability Forum.
As PDF gears up into the last quarter of another year, we have decided to bring back the PDF Pasifika Weekly Updates to you so that we can be aware of what’s also happening in other pacific Islands and weigh its impact on persons with disabilities and at the same time learn from what others are doing and contextualise these learnings unto your own DPOs, communities and branches.
Below are 8 updates for this week.
1)     MFAT DFAT PDF Design Partnership Workshop
Pacific Disability Forum together with its core partners MFAT and DFAT are currently on the verge of developing principles of engagement through a shared a partnership approach for the new PDF Strategic Plan 2026 - 2030
The workshop was an important opportunity to reflect on partnership by looking at successes and lessons learnt from the past and building on emerging themes and opportunities to strengthen partnerships through proper alignment and coordination for the 5 years ahead.
Key strategic risks from the PDF Risk Framework and MEL Framework were also discussed where the donors had the opportunity to share their comments on the current strategy and focusing on the next.
There was also a lot of discussion on governance, leadership and finance.
The week-long workshop which comes to an end today, has been robust and effective.
The workshop is currently being held this week at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva.

2)     NDFSI Delivers 13 Livelihood Projects to Savo Island Communities -
August 26, 2025
Savo Island, Central Province – A milestone achievement was marked this week as the National Disability Forum Solomon Islands (NDFSI) officially handed over 13 livelihood projects to communities across Savo Island. The initiative, funded by Australia Aid (AusAID), cost more than SBD $200,000 and focuses on pig fencing, supply of piglets, and local chicken farming. The aim of these projects is clear: to empower people with disabilities by creating opportunities for financial activities and self-sustenance. For many families in Savo, this support means a chance to actively participate in small-scale farming, generate income, and improve their quality of life. Read More<https://www.ndfsi.org/13-livelihood-projects-handed-over-savo-island/>

3)     Gearing up for the 2025 Samoan general election -
 August 25, 2025
Although seven political parties have officially registered to contest Samoa’s general election on 29 August, three have been politically visible through their campaign activities and are likely to share among them the biggest slice of the parliament’s 51 seats. The question on everyone’s lips is: which one of them will win enough seats to form the next government without the assistance of possible coalition partners? Read More<https://pina.com.fj/2025/08/25/gearing-up-for-the-2025-samoan-general-election/>
4)     UN experts of the Committee on the rights of persons with disabilities commend Kiribati’s disability policy framework –
August 20, 2025
The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Tuesday concluded its consideration of the initial report of Kiribati on its implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Committee Experts commended the State’s disability policy framework, while asking questions on the accessibility of infrastructure and services, and on the forced institutionalisation of persons with disabilities. Read More<https://pina.com.fj/2025/08/20/un-experts-of-the-committee-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities-commend-kiribatis-disability-policy-framework/>
5)     Disability support surges -
August 15, 2025
Demand for disability support services is surging in Fiji, with the Frank Hilton Organization reporting a 14 percent increase in new cases and assessments in the first half of the year. Chief Executive Sureni Perera states the rise reflects growing awareness among families about early intervention. Read More<https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/disability-support-surges/>
6)     New national disability policy endorsed, Opposition calls for action beyond promises -
 August 6, 2025
The Fijian Government has announced the endorsement of the Fiji National Policy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2025–2030, a key milestone aimed at improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities through a human rights-based approach. Read More<https://www.fijivillage.com/news/New-national-disability-policy-endorsed-Opposition-calls-for-action-beyond-promises-5r84fx/>
7)     Suffering in Silence - People with disability neglected in Solomon Islands -
June 20, 2025
PEOPLE with disability in Solomon Islands are facing neglect, widespread stigma and limited access to basic services, according to a new report released by the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI). The 2025 survey highlights the lack of inclusive infrastructure and social support forcing many people with disabilities into isolation, particularly in urban areas. Read More<https://theislandsun.com.sb/suffering-in-silence/>
8)     Fiji’s Bold Move: New Policy Aims for Disability Inclusivity -
June 4, 2025
The Fijian Cabinet has approved a revised Fiji National Disability Policy focusing on the rights of persons with disabilities. This policy aims to provide guidance for all stakeholders involved in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through a human rights-based framework. It emphasizes the importance of promoting equity, protecting rights, and ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in society. Read More<https://fijiglobalnews.com/fijis-bold-move-new-policy-aims-for-disability-inclusivity/>
Wishing you all a blessed Weekend!
Warm regards,


Soloveni Vitoso | Public Relations & Communication Officer



Pacific Disability Forum | Ground Floor, Kadavu House, Victoria Parade

GPO Box 18458 Suva, Fiji

Phone (landline): (+679) 7730200, 3312008

Phone (mobile): (+679) 8990134 | 9767236

Email: Soloveni.Vitoso at pacifcidisability.org                                            Website: www.pacificdisability.org<http://www.pacificdisability.org/>

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