Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, convened an important meeting today with Loau Donina Va’a, the CEO of Samoa’s Ministry for Women, Community and Social Development, alongside Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF Representative for Pacific Island Countries. This gathering took place at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and was primarily focused on the upcoming Pacific Early Childhood Development (ECD) Forum, set to be held in Samoa from May 13 to 15, 2025.
During the discussions, the leaders acknowledged the essential social challenges affecting children within the Pacific region and highlighted the critical need for regional collaboration and effective policy-making. Minister Kiran reaffirmed Fiji’s strong commitment to strengthening child protection measures and fostering collaborative efforts to ensure a safer and healthier environment for the children of the Pacific Islands.
Accompanying Minister Kiran were Eseta Nadakuitavuki, the Permanent Secretary, and Veremo Muria, the Director of Children, indicating a unified government approach toward addressing child welfare issues.
This meeting is a significant precursor to broader initiatives, including the recent efforts tied to Fiji’s National Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy for 2024-2028, designed to enhance healthcare, nutrition, and educational opportunities for children while ensuring their protection from any form of abuse or neglect. Such dedicated initiatives align with the ongoing commitment of regional leaders to uplift the welfare of children and foster positive outcomes for future generations across the Pacific.
By prioritizing the well-being of their youngest citizens today, leaders in Fiji and Samoa are collectively laying the groundwork for a more resilient and educated generation in the future, embodying a hopeful vision for the region’s children.
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