Pacific delegation heads to NY for peace-building talks

Two of the Pacific’s leading human rights and democracy fighters are part of the 15-member Pacific delegation heading to New York on Saturday to take part in the global effort to prevent violent conflict throughout the world and build peace.

Rev. Akuila D Yabaki of the Fiji Citizens’ Constitutional Forum and ‘Akilisi Pohiva, currently the People of Tonga’s No.1 Representative to Parliament, are traveling to New York with the Pacific delegation to present the Pacific Report, which contains the summaries of several national consultations that were held throughout the Pacific.

The report also highlights the recommendations from the Regional Consultation attended by leading civil society organizations from throughout the Pacific in April of this year.

According to Jone Dakuvula, Regional Initiator of the Pacific process, “The global conference is based on the universal theme ‘From Reaction to Prevention: Civil Society Forging Partnerships to Prevent Conflict and Build Peace.’”

As part of the global effort, which is known as the GPPAC [Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict], the Global Conference on Civil Society in the Prevention of Armed Conflict and Peace-building at the United Nations headquarters in New York is the first international meeting after three years of global consultations among civil society organizations in every regions.

The Pacific GPPAC process has been coordinated by the CCF through its partnerships with both local and regional CSOs. The aims of the conference are to adopt a global policy change agenda to achieve a shift from reaction to prevention of violent conflict. It also aims to develop an implementation plan for the Global Action Agenda, with the commitment of civil society organizations, the United Nations, regional bodies and governments.

“This is an excellent opportunity as it will promote the improved interaction and dialogue between civil society and the United Nations, whereby the exchange and networking between CSOs, the UN and governments will be encouraged and this is evident by the mere fact that we are able to present our recommendations to the Global agenda” said Yabaki.

Other members on the delegation include Nolene Babulivou of Women’s Action for Change, Fiji; Judith Fagalasuu of SICA Commission, Solomon Islands; James Tanis of Bougainville Peoples Congress; Lilian Thaggard of CCF, Fiji; Bernard Lovegrove of ASPBAE; Reuben Kavoi of Peace Foundation Melanesia, PNG; Berbard Choulai of UNDP Suva; Kieren McGovern of UNDP Suva; ‘Ofa-ki-Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki of United Nations Volunteer / CWL; and two academics, Carole Shaw of University of NSW and Graham Hassall of University of the South Pacific.

“We feel honored and proud to represent the Pacific CSO community on the delegation to New York, we will take the voices of our Pacific brothers and sisters to the global level—talking about peacebuiling, which is very important not only for our respective countries but to the entire region and globally—especially at this time!” (PR)