Pacific Regional Conference on Disability preparation gains momentum
Preparations for the 7th Pacific Regional Conference on Disability has picked up momentum with a total of 250 participants expected to attend the weeklong event which will be hosted in Nadi, Fiji.
With the theme: “NOTHING WITHOUT US: Deepening partnership for an inclusive and Equitable Blue Pacific Continent for Persons with Disabilities,” the event will see Government Focal points, Disability advocates, organisations working on disability inclusive development, as well as members of the Forum attending. A total of 22 Pacific Island countries and territories are expected to be represented. It is envisioned that the 7th Regional Conference will bring the Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and Government focal points together along with our development Partners to discuss the progress on the implementation of the CRPD and SDG at the national as well as regional level. It will also identify key actions and way forward for the next few years.
Speaking on the upcoming regional Conference, the Chief Executive of the Pacific Disability Forum Mr. Setareki Macanawai says this is the chance for an equal and participatory discussion on the way forward for an equitable disability inclusion in the Region.
“Whilst this may be the seventh regional conference on disability for us in the Pacific, we cannot afford to put our foot off the paddle when it comes to inclusion and equity for persons with disabilities in all areas and at all levels of our society. We have a wonderful opportunity ahead of us at this coming conference to really show what we meant by leaving no one behind! More often than not, it is us, persons with disabilities who are usually left behind, or when compared against other marginalized groups, the ones that are left behind the farthest!”
The 7th Pacific Regional Disability Conference will be held at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi from the 28th of February to 3rd March 2023 and this is the first time ever that the event will be held in partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum