June 5 2021

9:00 CET

19:00 Fiji time

Duration: 120 minutes

Click here to register

In this webinar, participants will hear stories that reflect on how the Pacific has been the last region to be affected by COVID-19, and how vaccine rollout is occurring, particularly for vulnerable people.

The closing of borders has had a huge economic impact on the tourism-dependent region. The collapse of the tourism industry in Fiji, for example, has led to massive unemployment and social issues. With a global focus on COVID-19, there is also concern that the climate emergency is being put on a back burner and that, in a bid to boost economic recovery, Pacific island states are being encouraged to focus on extractive industries, including deep-sea mining.

Voices from Pacific churches and communities will be front-and-center as they reflect and speak on the need for a just and safe Pacific in the time of COVID-19.

Moderators

Mat 1: Rev. James Bhagwan – General Secretary, Pacific Conference of Churches

 

Mat 2: Mr. Netani Rika – Communication  and Development Manager, Pacific Conference of Churches

Program:

Opening Prayer: Rev. Dr. Mele’ana Puloka – World Council of Churches President for the Pacific

Greetings: Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri – Deputy General Secretary, World Council of Churches

Mat 1: “Strands from our Mat - Stories and Experiences from the Pacific”

Speakers:

Bishop. Dr. Jack Urame  – Evangelical Lutheran Church in Papua New Guinea (Pastoral and Prophetic Challenges)

Ms. Vani Catanisiga – Fiji Council of Social Services (Humanitarian Response)

Rev. Siera Bird – Pacific Conference of Churches / United Church in Solomon Islands (Gender-Based Violence)

Pastor Billy Wetewea - Église Protestante de Kanaky Nouvelle-Calédonie (Self-Determination)

Mat 2: “Reweaving the Mat- A Just Pacific in the Time of Covid-19” – Pacific Issues “Talanoa” Dialogue

Participants:

Ms. Maureen Penjueli / Mr. Joey Tau – Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG)

Representative - Youngsolwara Pacific (Youth Activists)

Ms. Emeline Siale Ilolahia – Executive Director, Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO)

Rev. Nikotemo Sopepa - Mission Secretary -Pacific, Council for World Mission

Mr. Petero Lalagavivi – Ecumenism Intern, Pacific Conference of Churches

This consultation will also be live streamed on the Pacific Conference of Churches Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lotupasifika/