Acting Forum Secretary-General, Desna Solofa Wednesday addressed the Pacific Child Wellbeing Summit with a powerful message on the importance of prioritising the needs of the region’s youngest citizens.
Solofa acknowledged the drastic changes facing today’s youth.
“Pacific children now face new opportunities and challenges from navigating the digital age, confronting the increased impacts of climate change and grappling with significant mental health issues and violence which affect their wellbeing,” Solofa told Pacific Ministers and Senior Officials at the Child Wellbeing Summit.
Highlighting the evolving nature of global challenges, she underscored the need for a collective approach to securing a future that supports children’s education, health, and safety.
“These shifting dynamics, and evolving global challenges, require all of us to adapt how we approach children’s education, health, safeguards and well-being.”
Referencing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, Solofa emphasised that Pacific leaders had set a long-term vision for a brighter future.
“In recognition of this, Pacific Leaders set a long-term vision for securing the future of our region through the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, our blueprint to working as a collective for our region’s future.”
“The children of our Blue Pacific are the future. We must invest in their future by providing them with the opportunities, support, and safe environment they need so they reach their full potential,” she said, calling for continued investment in the youth of the Pacific.
Solofa also affirmed the commitment of the Pacific leaders at the Summit.
“It is important to reaffirm our Leaders’ commitment of working as one Blue Pacific for a prosperous future for our children and a resilient, Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity that ensures all Pacific peoples can lead, free, healthy and productive lives.
“I wish you well on your discussions and I thank you for your commitment to guarantee that every child has the right to the best start in life,” said Solofa.
