Diversity and inclusion are one of the true foundations of our service and will continue to be at the heart of what we do.

As the COVID-19 epidemic stresses island nations’ economies, the Pacific Islands could experience a “lost decade,” with the only available solutions being large multi-year recovery plans backed by foreign development aid (ODA). This is especially true now, when wealthier countries continue to give money to “underdeveloped” countries in the name of economic progress, despite colonial and imperial ideology and political bickering still being practiced. Rich countries’ short-sighted policies undermine stability in less stable countries and put pressure on the public to hold them responsible for failing to uphold their moral obligation to support their neighbors in the region.

Pacific Island cultures place a strong emphasis on finding remedies for social suffering and environmental destruction. Action must be taken right away, and it must be radical, with Indigenous voices leading discussion forums for solutions.