BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PACIFIC Island Forum Secretary General Henry Puna highlighted the escalating threat of cybercrimes to administrations during the Pacific Cyber Capacity Building Coordination Conference in Fiji.

Reflecting on discussions at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly and the Pacific Islands Summit, Puna acknowledged the opportunities presented by the digital evolution but stressed the need for specialized capacities to navigate its challenges.

Puna expressed confidence in the region’s recognition of increased support and capacity development in addressing cyber threats.

However, he said that successful partnerships must be targeted, coherent, and effective, setting the stage for the conference’s focus.

Highlighting the unfortunate reality that criminals worldwide, including in the Blue Pacific Continent, actively seek to harm innocent people, Puna asserted the collective commitment to their efforts.

Partners in the Blue Pacific, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, echoed this commitment in a joint statement delivered by Ewen McDonald.

McDonald, High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, outlined the partners’ dedication to supporting Pacific countries in achieving the ambitions outlined in the Pacific Island Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Recognizing unprecedented challenges such as climate change, the lingering impacts of COVID-19, and global strategic contests, McDonald stressed the importance of shared security in the current environment.

Referring to key documents like the Boe Declaration, the Pacific Islands Forum 2050 Strategy, and the Lagatoi Declaration, McDonald highlighted a collective responsibility to address challenges in the online environment.

While acknowledging the benefits of digitalization, he cautioned that increased reliance on technology also exposes us to the amplified threat of cyber-attacks in various aspects of our lives. The statement concluded with an emphasis on the need for vigilance and cooperation to ensure a peaceful and prosperous digital future for the region.

He also said the next three days will be a vital opportunity to discuss cyber capacity building, define our priorities, and propel more collective action across the region, looking forward to listening to each other and acting together on priorities to shape our region for the better.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

SECRETARY General Henry Puna of the Pacific Islands Forum announces a pivotal meeting scheduled for November in Rarotonga, where leaders will unveil an implementation plan for the 2050 Strategy.

Puna emphasizes the plan’s acknowledgment of ongoing regional efforts to tackle pressing challenges, particularly in the cyber domain.

Highlighting the collective commitment to achieving the leaders’ vision for a secure and prosperous region, Puna underscores the importance of new actions outlined in the implementation plan.

While expressing gratitude for existing support in addressing cyber challenges, he stresses the need for efficient utilization of resources.

Puna expresses pleasure in inaugurating the P4C, where donors and governments unite to discuss and align support initiatives—an exemplary model for future partnerships. He advocates for an approach ensuring long-term, sustainable success, emphasizing ongoing engagement with the Pacific Islands Forum.

Recognizing the Pacific Leaders’ interest in the cyber domain, Puna urges partners and implementing agencies to involve the Forum in their discussions.

He reveals that the Forum Chair, Cook Islands, is collaborating with members on high-priority regional interventions, including cybersecurity under ‘Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity.’

Puna calls for continued collaboration with key stakeholders to structure a cybersecurity partnership once Forum Leaders deliberate on the proposal. He invites stakeholders to stay connected with the Forum Secretariat for collective efforts in this crucial initiative.

Meanwhile Puna rallies for collaborative efforts to realize the Leaders’ vision under the 2050 Strategy, aiming for a secure, prosperous Blue Pacific Continent for all.

MORE than 500 women from Lauru and Tungavalu regions of the United Church Solomon Islands have been empowered on the Christian perspective of disaster resilience, disability inclusion and how churches can collaborate together to build strong  resilience in the face of disasters.

The women have attended the weeklong inter-regional women’s rally in Honiara organized by the United Church of Solomon Islands hosted in Honiara from 25th – 29th September 2023.

Church Agencies Network for Disaster Operations (CANDO ) jointly facilitated an awareness talks with People With Disability Solomon Islands (PWDSI) and Reverend Superintend Leslie Vedoko of the United Church Honiara Circuit.

Mr. Lionel Dau, CANDO Program Coordinator, Ms. Naomi Tai, the DRR project Officer of PWDSI and Rev Vedoko presented an awareness talk on Theology of Disaster Resilience in a Changing Climate (TDRCC) and Disability Inclusion in the Disaster Risk Reduction space.

The primary objectives of disaster resilience from a Christian perspective are to strengthen, empower, and enable individuals and communities to build and maintain communities of sustainability and resilience in the face of disasters.

In his opening remarks Mr. Dau said, the vision of church disaster network is to coordinate and collaborate together to enhance community resilience to disaster and conflict.

 “As churches, we are first responders to any disasters, therefore by using our church networks we must coordinate and collaborate together to build strength towards resilient communities and fight against negative impacts of climate change and natural disasters to serve our people in times of disasters and conflict.” Dau said.

Superintend Vedoko speaks on the parable of the great Banquet from Luke 14: 15-24.

He said the story showed the biblical foundation of the theological principle of inclusion and its relevance to disaster risk management.

He adds that the study ensures the inclusion of everyone, leaving no one behind in disaster preparedness and response planning in churches and communities.

 “Give opportunities and equal participations for vulnerable groups especially people living with disabilities in all planning, decision making both at the community and the church level to support disaster preparedness and response effort plans.” Dau said.

Rev Vedoko concluded by encouraging women to provide hospitality and value everyone to be part of the house of God by involving everyone in planning and decision making in all church programs and activities and to be part of the Christian community.

“Go back to your homes and self-reflect on us to find out how our communities and churches can apply this principle of inclusion to help our actions to serve our people.”

“The more we continue to practice this, the more we grow in our discipleship as true disciples and followers of Christ,” Rev Vedoko said.

Ms. Tai highlighted the importance of being inclusive with people living with disabilities.

“People living with disabilities are likely to be one of the most vulnerable groups in our communities when disaster strikes.

“Disaster preparedness and response must be centered on being inclusive driven, designed locally to meet appropriate humanitarian standard of people living with disabilities, and for caregivers to support them wherever possible.

“Therefore, as Christians we are equal in the eyes of God and we are all human beings and as Christ followers we must serve, reach out and look out for vulnerable people, give them opportunities to participate equally and moreover to be part of the Christian community,” Naomi said.

The program concluded with a hand over of cash token of appreciation from CANDO by Coordinator Dau to support the women fellowship groups towards their church programs and activities.

In Solomon Islands, CANDO is supported by the Australian Government and is an Australian Government initiative through Disaster READY program under the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP).

Disaster READY is focused on ensuring disaster preparedness is localized and led by relevant local and national stakeholders by working to ensure that disaster preparedness and management is inclusive of all within a community, including women, children and people living with disabilities, involving them in preparedness activities so their specific needs are understood and accounted for.

–CANDO PRESS

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of the Ministry of Forest and Research, Dickson Mua Panakitasi, has made a significant decision regarding the suspension of felling license A10112 belonging to Southern Enterprises Sawmilling Company Ltd. and Grace Logging Limited.

The decision comes following a detailed review of the case and a Deed of Settlement and Release submitted by the appellants (Southern Enterprises Sawmilling Company Limited and Grace Logging Limited) and complainants (Chief John Marawa, Reginald Ngati, Joseph Lowe), respectively.

This settlement signifies the resolution of a dispute concerning encroachment into Sulukokolo customary land and the felling and extraction of trees, as confirmed by a forestry field report and administrative orders dated August 23, 2023.

The appellants had initially appealed the decision of the Commissioner of Forest Reeves Moveni to suspend their felling license A10112, citing dissatisfaction with the show cause notice issued by the Commissioner on June 30, 2023, and their subsequent representation dated July 6, 2023.

The suspension was imposed on July 17, 2023, due to breaches of Regulation 10(c) and (e) of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilization (Felling Licenses) Regulations 2005.

In response to the appeal, Minister Mua deferred the decision to allow time for the appellants and complainants to resolve the encroachment issue amicably.

This deferral ultimately led to the submission of the Deed of Settlement and Release, indicating mutual understanding and agreement between the parties involved.

Taking into account the submitted settlement documents and his powers under Section 39(2) of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilization Act, Minister Mua has now decided to quash the suspension order issued by the Commissioner on July 17, 2023.

Consequently, the suspension over felling license A10112 has been lifted.

As part of the resolution, the appellants are required to withdraw immediately from Sulukokolo customary land and compensate the complainant party for their unlawful entry, felling, and tree extraction within the area.

Additionally, they must adhere strictly to the Solomon Islands Code of Logging Practices in their logging operations.

The Minister’s office has emphasized that any breach of these conditions may result in the cancellation of felling license A10112.

This decision by Minister Mua underscores the importance of amicable dispute resolution and adherence to forestry regulations in the Solomon Islands.