Delegates from eleven countries comprising the Community of Practice for Social Protection in the Pacific are meeting in Nadi this week to discuss how they can collaborate more closely to support the region’s most vulnerable people.
Fiji was a founding member of the Community of Practice which was established two years ago as a platform for information sharing between governments about how to implement more effective social protection schemes and programs. Following a series of virtual online meetings, this will be the first time the Community has met in person.
“We are proud to be hosting this important meeting which is a testament to our commitment and dedication to fostering collaboration with our regional partners and progress in the social protection space,” stated the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Lynda Tabuya.
Over three days, the Community will discuss a range of themes including how to make social assistance initiatives more inclusive so they reach those most in need, and how to build adaptive social protection programs that can support communities to become more resilient to shocks like natural disasters, future pandemics, or economic crises.
Fiji’s Social Assistance Policy provides a framework for the six social protection schemes implemented by the Ministry, whereby assistance is provided to poor and vulnerable Fijians. The Policy focuses on 5 key strategic areas and builds on ongoing reviews and reforms highlighted from workshops such as the regional Community of Practice for Social Protection in the Pacific which is currently underway in Nadi.
A highlight of the gathering will be a field trip to Vitogo village, where delegates will have the chance to learn more about the innovative Jobs for Nature project which provides employment and training opportunities, especially to women and youths. Other economic empowerment programs being implemented by the Ministry will also be on show at the Western Disability Centre during the same field trip.
“Economic Empowerment begins with social assistance support and provides guidance and training to uplift the vulnerable with great livelihood opportunities, building resilience and contributing to the society and nation building as a whole,” added Minister Tabuya.
The Community of Practice has participants from around the Pacific region including the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, and is supported by a Facilitation Team which includes representatives from the World Bank and the Australian Government.