<div dir="ltr">Thank you for sharing this information.<div><br></div><div>Cheers</div><div>Ross Tito</div></div><br><div class="gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Fri, Aug 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM Roselyn Babanisi <<a href="mailto:babanisir@gmail.com">babanisir@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><p>Dear Soloveni</p>
<p>Warm greetings from BVIPSI, and thank you for sharing the <strong>PDF Pasifika Weekly Updates</strong>.</p>
<p>It’s inspiring to see the collective progress being made across the Pacific to promote inclusion and empower persons with disabilities. The updates—particularly the NDFSI livelihood initiatives in Savo Island and the policy developments in Fiji and Kiribati—are encouraging and offer valuable insights for our own work here at BVIPSI.</p>
<p>We truly appreciate the effort the Pacific Disability Forum is making to keep us all informed and connected through these updates. Please keep them coming!</p>
<p>Wishing you and the team a restful and blessed weekend as well.</p>
<p>Warm regards,<br>
<strong>Roselyn Babanisi</strong><br>
Office Manager<br>
<strong>BVIPSI</strong></p></div></div><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Fri, Aug 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM Soloveni Vitoso <<a href="mailto:Soloveni.Vitoso@pacificdisability.org" target="_blank">Soloveni.Vitoso@pacificdisability.org</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
Warm Greetings from the Pacific Disability Forum. </div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
As PDF gears up into the last quarter of another year, we have decided to bring back
<i>the PDF Pasifika Weekly Updates</i> 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.</div>
<div style="margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
Below are 8 updates for this week.</div>
<div style="text-align:center;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:36pt;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
1) <b>MFAT DFAT PDF Design Partnership Workshop</b></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
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</div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
There was also a lot of discussion on governance, leadership and finance.</div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
The week-long workshop which comes to an end today, has been robust and effective.</div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
The workshop is currently being held this week at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva.<br>
</div>
<div style="text-align:center;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:36pt;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
<b>2)</b> <b>NDFSI Delivers 13 Livelihood Projects to Savo Island Communities -<br>
August 26, 2025</b></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
<b>Savo Island, Central Province –</b> 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.
<a id="m_-5531906255241373935m_-1078364868534831443OWAd71cc08d-4406-be17-0df1-1797e6b4a6b3" href="https://www.ndfsi.org/13-livelihood-projects-handed-over-savo-island/" target="_blank">
Read More</a></div>
<div style="margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
<br>
</div>
<div style="text-align:center;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
<b>3)</b> <b>Gearing up for the 2025 Samoan general election -<br>
August 25, 2025</b></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
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?
<a id="m_-5531906255241373935m_-1078364868534831443OWA43a8e8cd-0dfa-59d8-c410-0969e5e8bd64" href="https://pina.com.fj/2025/08/25/gearing-up-for-the-2025-samoan-general-election/" target="_blank">
Read More</a> </div>
<div style="text-align:center;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
<b>4)</b> <b>UN experts of the Committee on the rights of persons with disabilities commend Kiribati’s disability policy framework –<br>
August 20, 2025</b></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
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.
<a id="m_-5531906255241373935m_-1078364868534831443OWAc78c484b-ae90-ef36-0702-cbbcfc5ba422" href="https://pina.com.fj/2025/08/20/un-experts-of-the-committee-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities-commend-kiribatis-disability-policy-framework/" target="_blank">
Read More</a></div>
<div style="text-align:center;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:36pt;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
<b>5)</b> <b>Disability support surges -<br>
August 15, 2025</b></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
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. <a id="m_-5531906255241373935m_-1078364868534831443OWAb7f341f6-5300-a139-6234-8d61852bb856" href="https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/disability-support-surges/" target="_blank">
Read More</a></div>
<div style="text-align:center;margin:0cm 0cm 19.5pt 36pt;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
<b>6)</b> <b>New national disability policy endorsed, Opposition calls for action beyond promises -<br>
August 6, 2025</b></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:19.5pt;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
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.
<a id="m_-5531906255241373935m_-1078364868534831443OWA712bac7b-7670-af06-057f-8b78b2710b42" href="https://www.fijivillage.com/news/New-national-disability-policy-endorsed-Opposition-calls-for-action-beyond-promises-5r84fx/" target="_blank">
Read More</a></div>
<div style="text-align:center;margin:5pt 0cm 19.5pt 36pt;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
<b>7)</b> <b>Suffering in Silence - People with disability neglected in Solomon Islands -<br>
June 20, 2025</b></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
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.
<a id="m_-5531906255241373935m_-1078364868534831443OWA9fe7d5e8-60b7-1085-e1bf-90ff6776122e" href="https://theislandsun.com.sb/suffering-in-silence/" target="_blank">
Read More</a></div>
<div style="text-align:center;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:36pt;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
<b>8)</b> <b>Fiji’s Bold Move: New Policy Aims for Disability Inclusivity -<br>
June 4, 2025</b></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
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.
<a id="m_-5531906255241373935m_-1078364868534831443OWAeba93111-5952-7162-b3ac-86e34ed0db42" href="https://fijiglobalnews.com/fijis-bold-move-new-policy-aims-for-disability-inclusivity/" target="_blank">
Read More</a></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
Wishing you all a blessed Weekend!</div>
<div style="text-align:justify;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(36,36,36)">
Warm regards, </div>
<div id="m_-5531906255241373935m_-1078364868534831443Signature">
<p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(36,36,36)"><br>
</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;background-color:white;margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)"><b>Soloveni Vitoso | Public Relations & Communication Officer</b> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0px;background-color:white;margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0px;background-color:white;margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)">Pacific Disability Forum | Ground Floor, Kadavu House, Victoria Parade</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0px;background-color:white;margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)">GPO Box 18458 Suva, Fiji</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0px;background-color:white;margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)">Phone (landline):
</span><span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(0,36,81)">(+679) 7730200</span><span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)">, 3312008</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0px;background-color:white;margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)">Phone (mobile): (+679) 8990134 | 9767236
</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0px;background-color:white;margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)">Email:
</span><span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(12,100,192)"><u><a href="mailto:Soloveni.Vitoso@pacifcidisability.org" target="_blank">Soloveni.Vitoso@pacifcidisability.org</a></u></span><span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)">
Website: </span><span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(5,99,193)"><a style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" title="http://www.pacificdisability.org/" id="m_-5531906255241373935m_-1078364868534831443OWA61b85998-923f-7e07-edcc-c5c0feb996d5" href="http://www.pacificdisability.org/" target="_blank">www.pacificdisability.org</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0px;background-color:white;margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)">Facebook: Pacific Disability Forum</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0px;background-color:white;margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)">Twitter: @pdfsec</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0px;background-color:white;margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:black"> <img style="width: 293px; height: 148px; max-width: 482px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto; margin: 0px;" size="59776" height="148" width="293" id="m_-5531906255241373935m_-1078364868534831443x_x_Picture_x0020_1" alt="signature_2068981001" src="cid:ii_198f4337319cb971f161"></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0px;background-color:white;margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)"><b>Organisation in special consultative status with the UN Economic
and Social Commission since 2012.</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin:0px">
<span style="font-family:"Abadi Extra Light",sans-serif;font-size:9pt;color:rgb(31,73,125)"><i>The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee(s). If you
</i><b><i>are</i></b><i> not the intended recipient, you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it, including any attachments. If you receive this email in error please notify the sender immediately</i> </span></p>
<div style="font-family:Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)">
<br>
</div>
</div>
</div>
_______________________________________________<br>
Dpo-officemanagers mailing list<br>
<a href="mailto:Dpo-officemanagers@lists.pacificdisability.org" target="_blank">Dpo-officemanagers@lists.pacificdisability.org</a><br>
<a href="http://lists.pacificdisability.org/mailman/listinfo/dpo-officemanagers_lists.pacificdisability.org" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://lists.pacificdisability.org/mailman/listinfo/dpo-officemanagers_lists.pacificdisability.org</a><br>
</div></blockquote></div>
_______________________________________________<br>
Dpo-officemanagers mailing list<br>
<a href="mailto:Dpo-officemanagers@lists.pacificdisability.org" target="_blank">Dpo-officemanagers@lists.pacificdisability.org</a><br>
<a href="http://lists.pacificdisability.org/mailman/listinfo/dpo-officemanagers_lists.pacificdisability.org" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://lists.pacificdisability.org/mailman/listinfo/dpo-officemanagers_lists.pacificdisability.org</a><br>
</blockquote></div>