Posted on October, 11 2024

Suva, Fiji , October 11, 2024 — The Pacific Policy Advocacy Training, a dynamic 3-day event
focused on empowering community leaders and advocates from across the Pacific, concluded
successfully this week. Held at the Moana Anglican Services & Teaching Centre in Suva, the
workshop gathered representatives from Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Australia to enhance
their capacity to influence policy at local, national, and regional levels.

The training, titled "Empowering Voices: Strengthening Policy Advocacy for Community
Advocates," focused on equipping participants with essential advocacy tools to address critical
issues such as climate resilience, sustainable development, gender equality, and youth
representation enabling advocates to work together, sharing perspectives and solutions to
strengthen community-led approaches to these pressing challenges.

One of the highlights of the training was the opportunity for participants to collaboratively map
out strategies for local regional and international advocacy - emphasizing the importance of
uniting community voices and building strong networks and coalitions to ensure that the
perspectives of those at the frontlines of climate, environmental and social challenges are
heard and shaping key policies at national, regional and global level.

Community representatives like Ratu Tevita Tokalauvere from Macuata and Alisi Lutu,
Chairperson of the Bia i Cake Women’s Cooperative, shared their experiences, reflecting on how
the training has empowered them to strategically work with their community groups and other
networks to develop impactful advocacy plans to highlight key challenges and priorities they
face on the ground in a more efficient and effective manner and shape future policies and
decision making processes.

“The training opened my eyes to how critical it is to connect our traditional knowledge with
modern advocacy strategies and has truly empowered me to go back to my community with
confidence and contribute to the change we need,” said Ratu Tevita.

Alisi Lutu echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the important role of women and youth in
creating lasting change: “This training has given us the tools and the voice to stand up for our
communities and ensure our issues are addressed at highest level.”

Kesaia Vasutoga, WWF-Australia’s First Nations Climate Advisor, praised the training for its
comprehensive approach, “I really enjoyed it—it was insightful and a good refresher. It touched
on programme work, connected to our partnership efforts, and was multifaceted, covering
everything from monitoring to evaluation.”

Participants also discussed how they will use the advocacy strategies learned to influence
regional policy conversations leading up to key events such as the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCC COP 29). The outcomes of the training will contribute to long-term regional advocacy efforts, ensuring that Pacific communities are not only heard but are also active players in
shaping the future of the Pacific.

The Pacific Policy Advocacy Training was a step forward in building stronger, more resilient
communities by empowering local leaders to drive policy change. As these advocates return to
their communities, they carry with them the knowledge, networks, and confidence to amplify
their voices in support of a sustainable and inclusive future for all Pacific Islanders.

Support for this three-day training was provided by UK International Development, the UNDP
GEF Small Grants Programme, Change, Oceania First Voices Programme and WWF.