Tongan Minister of Internal Affairs, Sinaitakala Tu’itah, emphasized the critical importance of investing in the welfare of children during the inaugural Pacific Child Wellbeing Summit held in Suva. She asserted that prioritizing children is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic approach to enhancing a nation’s social and economic development.
At the summit, Tu’itah underlined the necessity of creating safe and nurturing environments for children across the Pacific region. “Creating an ambient and safe environment for the Pacific children to flourish is essential,” she stated, calling for collective leadership, economic investment, and cultural support to bolster children’s education and mental well-being.
A significant focus of the summit was to reinforce educational frameworks that support children’s academic learning, aligning with the objectives of the Pacific Regional Education Framework 2018-2030. This strategic plan aims to foster safe, inclusive, and protective learning environments, crucial for the holistic development of children in the Pacific Islands.
The summit also addressed pressing issues affecting children’s welfare, such as violence, neglect, and the need for enhanced child protection systems highlighted by UNICEF Pacific Representative Jonathan Veitch. He pointed out urgent issues like the high rates of violence, abuse, and child labor affecting the region’s youngest population, indicating a clear need for comprehensive advocacy and protective measures.
Similar initiatives were noted, such as Fiji’s National Early Childhood Development Policy for 2024-2028, reinforcing the commitment to ensuring children are safeguarded against abuse and provided with essential care and educational opportunities.
This momentum for collaborative efforts among Pacific nations toward children’s well-being fosters hope for transformative changes, leading to healthier and safer environments for future generations. The actions taken today signify a united promise to not only protect but also nurture the potential of children throughout the Pacific.
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