The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
On her final day in Fiji, Administrator Samantha Power attended INDOPACOM’s Chiefs of Defense Conference and delivered a keynote address, arguing that the path to lasting security comes through integrated efforts in diplomacy, defense, and development. In particular, she emphasized that some of the most significant security threats, especially in the Indo-Pacific, come from climate change, and urged military leaders to speak up about this challenge and help mobilize the resources needed to reduce emissions, build resilience, and respond to the impacts of climate change.
Following the conference, Administrator Power visited Nabila, a Fijian village where USAID partners with Field Ready to support an innovative approach to helping communities respond to disasters and climate change. She saw a demonstration of USAID’s newly launched mobile maker-space that can 3D print humanitarian equipment and tools such as clamps and water pipes to help communities respond quickly to disasters. This is especially important for remote communities like Nabila that are already feeling the impacts of climate change.
Administrator Power also met with representatives of the Women in Fisheries Network (WiFN) to discuss issues related to climate adaptation, sustainable livelihoods, and women’s empowerment. While there, she heard from women whose livelihoods are already impacted by climate change. With USAID support, WiFN, a group of community members and other local stakeholders, works collaboratively to expand and enable opportunities for women in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management.
Concluding her visit to Fiji, Administrator Power played Fiji’s national sport, joining the Lilian Amazon Rugby Club and participating in a rugby clinic run by Coach Lailanie Burnes. Administrator Power and Coach Burnes spoke with the players and the media about the importance of sport for empowering women and value of women’s sports for elevating young women and girls across the Pacific community.
Administrator Power travels to Papua New Guinea and Fiji
