Addressing Food Security and Cyber-Security
The second day of the conference began with a focused examination of the Pacific Islands' food security challenges. Panelists discussed the dual pressures of internal factors such as climate change—which exacerbates soil degradation and erratic weather patterns—and external factors including global market volatility and reliance on imported food. These issues combine to create a precarious situation for local food systems.
A notable highlight was the presentation of Palau’s innovative approach, known as the "Palauan Way." This initiative merges traditional knowledge with modern agricultural techniques to enhance food production and nutrition. Community-led programs and pilot projects demonstrate how integrating local practices can diversify food sources and improve nutritional quality.
In the realm of cyber-security, the conference addressed the increasing digitalization of services in the Pacific, which poses both opportunities and risks. Small island nations, with limited resources, are particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Fiji's proactive stance in cyber safety was highlighted, showcasing its legislative measures, public awareness efforts, and international collaboration. Palau’s own cyber-security measures were also discussed, emphasizing its challenges and innovative solutions.
The day concluded with Ms. Seluvaia Kauvaka's session on the impact of cyber threats on livelihoods, presenting a civil society perspective on how cyber-attacks disrupt communities and economies.
Breaking Silence on GBV and Addressing Drug Trafficking
Day three commenced with a site visit to the Marine Command Center. Participants were introduced to Palau’s monitoring system and how they protect their EEC.
Gender-based violence (GBV) in the Pacific was the focus of the first session.. The session focused on Palau’s strategies to combat GBV, offering a comprehensive overview of the crisis and highlighting gender-responsive budgeting as a tool for legislative action.
The conference then shifted to address illicit drug trafficking in the Pacific. Discussions covered the current situation, the role of regulatory frameworks and law enforcement, and regional cooperation. Keynote speakers such as Assoc. Prof. Jose Sousa-Santos from the University of Canterbury and Mr. Collie Brown from UNODC provided insights into the complexities of drug trafficking and the need for both legal and civil society responses. Ms. Kalesi Volatabu from Drugs Free discussed community-based initiatives aimed at combating drug abuse.