Pacific Disability Forum@PDFSEC

A partnership of Pacific Organizations of and for Persons with Disabilities.

 Fiji Islands
Based in Fiji
pacificdisability.org
Joined November 2010
Pacific voices rising! To all North Pacific OPDs - Join us as we prepare for the North Pacific Disability-Inclusive Climate Convening, 24–28 August in the Marshall Islands
“Banner for the North Pacific Disability-Inclusive Climate Dialogue, held in the Republic of the Marshall Islands from 24–28 August 2026. The design features a tropical island scene with palm trees, sandy beach, and green mountains under a partly cloudy sky. A circular logo with a traditional sailboat and sun is centered. The tagline reads ‘Disability-Inclusion in Climate Leadership.’ Partner logos at the bottom include Australian Aid (red kangaroo), New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade Manatū Aorere (black fern), and Global Disability Fund (map graphic). Banner dimensions: 3 meters wide by 1 meter high.”

ALT “Banner for the North Pacific Disability-Inclusive Climate Dialogue, held in the Republic of the Marshall Islands from 24–28 August 2026. The design features a tropical island scene with palm trees, sandy beach, and green mountains under a partly cloudy sky. A circular logo with a traditional sailboat and sun is centered. The tagline reads ‘Disability-Inclusion in Climate Leadership.’ Partner logos at the bottom include Australian Aid (red kangaroo), New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade Manatū Aorere (black fern), and Global Disability Fund (map graphic). Banner dimensions: 3 meters wide by 1 meter high.”
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🌍 Consultancy Opportunity Consultant to Prepare CRPD Shadow Report for Pohnpei Consumer Council (FSM) Organized by: Pacific Disability Forum TOR Request: Soloveni.Vitoso@pacificdisability.org Applications: Violet.Savu@pacificdisability.org Deadline: 13 March 2026 #pdfsec
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The Disability Caucus has been officially recognized within the UNFCCC climate negotiations — a breakthrough that ensures persons with disabilities and their representative organisations have a formal platform to shape global climate policy. #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
A promotional graphic for the Pacific Disability Forum shows Damian Griffis, Co-Chair, smiling in a dark blazer and black shirt. He is positioned against a tropical island backdrop with turquoise waters, white sandy beach, and palm trees. On the left side, the Pacific Disability Forum logo—a traditional sailboat with a yellow sun above blue waves—is displayed. Beside the logo, a quote in white text reads: “In the Pacific, where climate impacts are already at our doorstep, this recognition will help ensure that persons with disabilities are part of the solutions protecting our islands and our future.” — Damian Griffis, Co-Chair, Pacific Disability Forum.

ALT A promotional graphic for the Pacific Disability Forum shows Damian Griffis, Co-Chair, smiling in a dark blazer and black shirt. He is positioned against a tropical island backdrop with turquoise waters, white sandy beach, and palm trees. On the left side, the Pacific Disability Forum logo—a traditional sailboat with a yellow sun above blue waves—is displayed. Beside the logo, a quote in white text reads: “In the Pacific, where climate impacts are already at our doorstep, this recognition will help ensure that persons with disabilities are part of the solutions protecting our islands and our future.” — Damian Griffis, Co-Chair, Pacific Disability Forum.
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Jose Viera, CEO @IDA_CRPD_Forum, highly commended PDF's global recognition as a leading regional OPD in effective advocacy. His key message: OPDs must evolve from advocates to partners of choice by strengthening capacity & embracing innovation. #DisabilityInclusion #OPDLeadership
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PDF Female Co-Chair, Ms. Fa’atino Utumapu, emphasized increasing opportunities for persons with disabilities to be represented in all decision-making roles, both as beneficiaries and as partners. #PDFGeneralForum2025
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The General Forum agenda is focused on strengthening the organization for the future, including governance and accountability updates, enhancing membership engagement mechanisms, and strategic capacity and resource mobilization for long-term sustainability.
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Bula Vinaka from Tanoa International, Nadi 🇫🇯🌺 The Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) has commenced its General Forum 2025, a closed biennial meeting dedicated exclusively to PDF members. Associate members, personal assistants, and other invited guests are attending as observers.
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Tamara Jolly shares the vital review process @CBMAustralia has undertaken for the #PacificFrameworkontheRightsofPersonswithDisabilities In the next session: participants will share their in-country experiences—the essential input needed to fortify & refine the #PFRPD review.
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Ms Melania Nawadra from @ForumSEC is providing a critical overview of the #2050Strategy and its essential linkages to #DisabilityInclusion. 🤝 It's vital that the Blue Pacific Continent's future leaves no one behind! ♿🌊 #BluePacific #LeaveNoOneBehind
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The morning session then continued into the dialogue of the newly developed draft PDF strategic plan. This session is done in collaboration with our partners from @CBMAustralia 🤝🏾
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Kickstarting day one of the #PacificDisabilityDialogue at the Tanoa International, Nadi 🇫🇯 We commenced the morning welcoming our newly elected board female Co-Chair Ms. Fa’atino Utumapu, interim CEO of @IDA_CRPD_Forum Mr. Jose Viera & CEO of the PDF Ms. Sainimili Tawake. #PDD
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Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) establishes the right of persons with disabilities and their families to an adequate standard of living and social protection without discrimination. #Article28UNCRPD #SocialProtection
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At PDF, we’re committed to safe, inclusive spaces for all. Our recent safeguarding training helps protect the rights of people we serve, especially those with disabilities. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. #Inclusion #Safeguarding #DisabilityRights #SafeSpaces
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The Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) was proud to participate in the Disability Learning Event on 25 April 2025, held as part of the HoF17 pre-meetings.
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CEO's message for PDF's 18th Birthday.
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Happy Birthday PDF!! 🎉 Today we celebrate 18 years of the Pacific Disability Forum, a movement born from resilience and driven by purpose. Here’s to inclusion, impact, and the journey ahead! #PDFTurns18 #DisabilityRights #InclusivePacific #StrongerTogether
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The Pacific Disability Forum’s HRDU Team met with representatives from Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program (PHWP) - SPC today, to discuss disability inclusion within the program. #DisabilityRights #Inclusion #PHWP
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CEO Sainimili Tawake delivered a powerful reminder during the Pacific Technical Cooperation Side Event Session (CEDAW) #CEDAWPacific #WomenWithDisabilities #InclusionMatters
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Today, on World Cancer Day, the Pacific Disability Forum stands in solidarity with all those affected by cancer, including individuals with disabilities who face unique challenges in accessing care and support. #WorldCancerDay #InclusiveCare #PacificDisabilityForum
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Save the Date! The 8th Pacific Regional Conference on Disability (PRCD) 2025 is happening in Nadi, Fiji from October 13th to 17th! Join us for a week of connection, learning, and collaboration as we work together to improve accessibility and inclusion across the Pacific.
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📣 Important Announcement ‼️ Please be advised that the Pacific Disability Forum will be closed from half day of the 10th of December to the 13th of December for its planning meeting in Nadi.
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A delegation from PDF consisting of women leaders from Fiji, Samoa & Vanuatu who are leaders & reps of their respective national OPDs are in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands to amplify the voices of approximately 2 million persons with disabilities in the Pacific.
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Office managers from around the region are currently digging deeper into "Reasonable Accomodation" at a Reflection workshop in Nadi, Fiji. Growing Stronger Together Intiative with @PDFSEC and @CBMAustralia #PDFsec #disabilityinclusion
Nafi Bai of Spinal Injuries Assosciation Fiji

ALT Nafi Bai of Spinal Injuries Assosciation Fiji

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" Our journey began in 2002, we should safeguard - our truly Pacific Organisation for all persons with disabilities" - PDF CEO Setareki Macanawai in opening the reflection workshop currently underway in Nadi, Fiji this week. #growingstrongertogether #PDFsec #disabilityinclusion
Group photo of PDF secretariat staff, CBM Australia Programs team along with Office managers from 7 Pacific island countries.

ALT Group photo of PDF secretariat staff, CBM Australia Programs team along with Office managers from 7 Pacific island countries.
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Knowing and understanding your rights is a powerful tool. Featured below are participants with psychosocial disabilities claiming their rights through art. (3/3) #PsychosocialDisability #InclusionNow #ClaimYourRights #SolomonIslands
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The 2nd day of the Workshop/Training (13/03/24) delved into factors that cause stress. The interactive session on Wednesday shed light on some of the struggles and challenges participants with psychosocial disabilities have been personally dealing with for quite some time. (2/3)
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Solomon Islands held it’s first ever Psychosocial Workshop bringing together over 40 plus participants made up of persons with psychosocial disabilities, mental health nurses, personal assistants/support persons and CBR Students from the Solomon Islands National University. (1/3)
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Facilitator Sera Osborne, a woman with psychosocial disability facilitated the session & emphasized the importance of knowing & accepting one’s identity as a person with a disability is a crucial first step towards empowerment and knowing one’s rights under the UNCRPD ✊🏾 (3/3)
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The objective of the 2 days training is to empower and enhance the skills, self-esteem, self-efficacy, decision making abilities, and overall sense of control over their own lives to advocate for themselves, navigate systems effectively, and live more independently ✊🏾 (2/3)
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The Psychosocial Disability Training commenced yesterday in Honiara, Solomon Islands bringing together over 45 participants along with their personal assistants and mental health nurses. (1/3) #BeEmpowered #EndStigma #KnowYourRights #RightsBasedApproach
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Director Operations of PDF Laisa Vereti talking of the importance of institutional strengthening to OPDs in Pohnpei. #DisabilityInclusion
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Growing stronger together is a collective call to all of us to paddle the canoe together as a disability movement - CEO Setareki macanawai addressing OPDs and reps in Pohnpei this morning . #pdfsec #DisabilityInclusion
CEO Mr. Setareki Macanawai addressing participants in FSM this morning

ALT CEO Mr. Setareki Macanawai addressing participants in FSM this morning
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We cannot have a sustainable future if we exclude and leave behind one billion people with disabilities globally. In the pacific, this is about 2 million persons with disabilities - Telesia Kobiti (PDF) #DisabilityInclusion
Telesia Kobiti of PDF with UN Coordinator, Dirk Wagener & H.E Assistant Minister for Finance (Fiji), Esrom Emmanuel who were part of a panel discussion talking about partnerships and how they’re critical for accelerating SDGs implementation as well as good practices and lessons learnt to localize the SDGs.

ALT Telesia Kobiti of PDF with UN Coordinator, Dirk Wagener & H.E Assistant Minister for Finance (Fiji), Esrom Emmanuel who were part of a panel discussion talking about partnerships and how they’re critical for accelerating SDGs implementation as well as good practices and lessons learnt to localize the SDGs.
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Fiji is in the midst of the 🌀 season from Nov. to April. We need to strengthen “the voice”, representation & participation of persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction actions & in disaster preparedness. #disabilityinclusivepreparedness #PDFSEC
FDPF (a member of PDF) is on the ground in Levuka, Fiji addressing inclusion of persons with disabilities in disaster preparedness.

ALT FDPF (a member of PDF) is on the ground in Levuka, Fiji addressing inclusion of persons with disabilities in disaster preparedness.

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You have as much voice as anyone in the room - Regional Cordinator PICAN, Lave Seru to Climate Change officers from 🇼🇸, 🇰🇮, 🇹🇻, 🇲🇭 & 🇸🇧. Mr. Seru speaking on the need for persons with disabilities to speak up in the climate change space. #PDFSEC #DisabilityInclusiveClimateaction
"You have as much voice as anyone in the room." This is the message of Lavetanalagi Seru who is the Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network. Speaking at the APCP Validation Workshop currently underway in Nadi, Mr. Seru once again reiterated the importance of having persons with disabilities at the table. "It is important to have voices like yours contributing to Policy papers as it influences policy makers at the national and the regional level." PICAN is a regional umbrella body which brings together CSOs and NGOs who work on climate justice issues and are present in four countries – Kiribati, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Presently, PDF is liaising with PICAN to explore ways in which disability inclusive climate change actions and programs can be mainstreamed and how Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) can work closely with PICAN.

ALT "You have as much voice as anyone in the room." This is the message of Lavetanalagi Seru who is the Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network. Speaking at the APCP Validation Workshop currently underway in Nadi, Mr. Seru once again reiterated the importance of having persons with disabilities at the table. "It is important to have voices like yours contributing to Policy papers as it influences policy makers at the national and the regional level." PICAN is a regional umbrella body which brings together CSOs and NGOs who work on climate justice issues and are present in four countries – Kiribati, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Presently, PDF is liaising with PICAN to explore ways in which disability inclusive climate change actions and programs can be mainstreamed and how Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) can work closely with PICAN.
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Equitable participation is engaging persons with disabilities from the drafting process right through to implementation. PDF's Savaira Tinai with NOLA's Herbert Bell - persons with disabilities discussing the draft Development of Capacity Assessment Tool. #DisabilityInclusion
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Climate Change is a huge opportunity for us to help shift or change the narrative in terms of Disability Inclusion and Equity. At the end of the day Disability Inclusion matters, in DRR, Climate Change and Equity - Setareki Macanawai (CEO Pacific Disability Forum) #PDFSEC
the CEO of Pacific Disability Forum, Mr. Setareki Macanawai addressing Climate change officers at the Development of Capacity Assessment Tool and Framework for Capacity Building on climate change for Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in the Pacific

ALT the CEO of Pacific Disability Forum, Mr. Setareki Macanawai addressing Climate change officers at the Development of Capacity Assessment Tool and Framework for Capacity Building on climate change for Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in the Pacific

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The Fiji Deaf 🧏🏽 and 🧏🏾‍♀️ Teams have stamped their mark as formidable opponents after they bagged both 🥇 in their 🏉 finals. Their win shows the ability of persons with disabilities to participate in mainstream sporting activities #disabilityinclsuion #inclusivesports #PDFsec
Fiji Deaf Womens Team with their gold medals at the Australian Deaf Games

ALT Fiji Deaf Womens Team with their gold medals at the Australian Deaf Games

Fiji Means Deaf Team with their medals and trophy after winning gold at the Australian Deaf Games.

ALT Fiji Means Deaf Team with their medals and trophy after winning gold at the Australian Deaf Games.
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Inclusion ensures we have a seat at the table, but equity will transform & reconfigure that table to guarantee our full, effective & meaningful participation – Setareki Macanawai, PDF Chief Executive. Read PDF's submission to Australia’s IDEAR on pacificdisability.org/resour…
Regional OPD representatives taking part in a UN Pacific Side event

ALT Regional OPD representatives taking part in a UN Pacific Side event
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@PDFSEC PDF releases its final submission to Australia’s International Disability Equity & Rights Strategy, calling for more disability equity rather than inclusion alone. More on pacificdisability.org #disabilityinclusion #PDFsec
The CEO for PDF, Setareki Macanawai facing the camera. whilst at the UN General Assembly.

ALT The CEO for PDF, Setareki Macanawai facing the camera. whilst at the UN General Assembly.
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As a global community, it falls on us to make the world inclusive of persons with disabilities - Mr. Ewen McDonald, Australian High Commissioner opening IDPD 2023 Regional celebrations. He stressed that Disability inclusion is a priority for the Australian Government. #IDPD2023
Mr. Ewen McDonald, Australian High Commissioner speaking to those in attendance

ALT Mr. Ewen McDonald, Australian High Commissioner speaking to those in attendance
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Join us this afternoon at 2pm FJT to discuss SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth 💼🧑‍🌾🎣👩🏽‍🍳 Please find the zoom link for ease of access: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi…
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Join us this morning as we kick start our webinar series for International Day of Persons with Disabilities at 11:30FJT focusing specifically on SDG 4 - Quality Education 📚 Joins us: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi…
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State of Emergency (SOE) has been declared for Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa and Shefa Provinces, in Vanuatu for 6 months. #inclusiveDRR #disasterresponse
A Vanuatu Gvt gazette declaring the State of Emergency following TC Lola

ALT A Vanuatu Gvt gazette declaring the State of Emergency following TC Lola
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Update from our members in Vanuatu following the Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Lola. Infrastructure and buildings damaged. Stay with us as more pictures come in from our member Vanuatu Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association
HOuses damaged in Penama Province, Vanuatu

ALT HOuses damaged in Penama Province, Vanuatu

Classroom in Penama Province damaged with the roof blown off

ALT Classroom in Penama Province damaged with the roof blown off

Damages to school building

ALT Damages to school building

flooded classroom and roof missing in classroom

ALT flooded classroom and roof missing in classroom
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📢 TC Lola is now a Category 5 system. 📌 PDF is calling for all first responders to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in Vanuatu. 🌀 is slow moving meaning more devastating floods. #disabilityinclusion #pdfsec
A tracking map showing when TC Lola is expected to make landfall.

ALT A tracking map showing when TC Lola is expected to make landfall.

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A briefing between PDF and NDMO officials is underway in Suva as part of the Live Tsunami Drill this morning. This isnpart of the activities for National Disaster Awareness Week 2023. #disabilityinclusion
PDF CEO Setareki Macanawai being briefed by NDMO officials

ALT PDF CEO Setareki Macanawai being briefed by NDMO officials

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The commitment to ensuring persons with disabilities are not left behind received a major boost in the Kingdom of Tonga after the Australian Government provided a 3year core funding grant to our member OPD - Lavame’a Ta’e’iloa Disabled People Association Incorporation
The event was marked by the handover of a new vehicle by the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Rachael Moore and the Minister for Internal Affairs, and Disability, Lord Vaea. Other invited guests included representatives from the civil society, government, and NGO community. This milestone event marks the start of this three-year program which will conclude in July 2025.

ALT The event was marked by the handover of a new vehicle by the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Rachael Moore and the Minister for Internal Affairs, and Disability, Lord Vaea. Other invited guests included representatives from the civil society, government, and NGO community. This milestone event marks the start of this three-year program which will conclude in July 2025.

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My dream is an equal and safe space for young girls and women with disabilities - Kesa from Kiribati Deaf Assosciation. #tfgv
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Promote digital inclusion - this reduces social isolation of women and girls with disabilities. It is important to provide accessible technology to allow us to create a safe environment for girls with disabilities. #tfgbv
Melvina voua

ALT Melvina voua
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Women & girls with disabilities face increased vulnerability to gender based violence. Melvina Voua speaking of TFGBV in Solomon islands #tfgbv
PWD Solomon island rep Melvina Voua speaking on technology facilitated gender based violence

ALT PWD Solomon island rep Melvina Voua speaking on technology facilitated gender based violence
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Young women with disabilities from the Pacific taking to the floor as part of a panel discussion on " what we want to see! Yound people in all their diversity share their hope for the future." #tfgbv #pdfsec
Young womem talking about Technology Facilitated Gender based Violence.

ALT Young womem talking about Technology Facilitated Gender based Violence.
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PDF with reps from Kiribati Deaf and PWD Solomon Islands attending the Technology facilitated GBV symposium #tfgbv #pdfsec
4 representatives from PDF facing the camera and smiling

ALT 4 representatives from PDF facing the camera and smiling
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There is richness in diversity. PDF is co-hosting a weeklong @DisabRightsFund Pacific Island Countries Grantee Convening. Representatives from 11 countries are present sharing their lived experiences, lessons learnt & way forward. #PDFSec #PacificConvening2023
A group picture of all the DRF grantees

ALT A group picture of all the DRF grantees
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Remain committed to the calling to make lives better for persons with disabilities in the Pacific. This is the call made by Setareki Macanawai CEO for PDF during the opening of the DRF Convening #PDFSec #PacificConvening2030
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