More than 80 Australia Awards alumni, development partners, and Government leaders gathered at the Grand Pacific Hotel for the Australia Awards Fiji Alumni Dialogue & Networking Event, an evening of thought leadership, policy discussion and collaboration.
Under the theme “Bridging Climate Change Capacity Gaps in Fiji,” the event aimed to activate the alumni network as change agents, bringing their expertise and lived experience into conversations that matter for Fiji’s future.
DFAT’s Acting Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Andrew Shepherd, opened the evening with an invitation:
“Events like this are not only important to inform positive development impact—they also provide a great opportunity for the Australian Government to learn from our Fijian colleagues and shape our shared development journey.”
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gretchen Dobson, an International Alumni Specialist, with compelling speakers from government, civil society, and international organisations. Key discussions focused on climate resilience, nature-based solutions, inclusive development, and the importance of locally driven, sustainable responses to climate challenges.
A New Chapter for Alumni Engagement
Having transitioned from what was formerly the Fiji-Australia Alumni Association, to a new Alumni Advisory Board, Alumnus and Board member Mr. Ralph Buadromo opened the evening with reflections on the evolving alumni engagement strategy. The new governance model will foster deeper inclusion, strategic alignment, and more opportunities for alumni to help shape development dialogues.
Panel Highlights
Speakers included:
Niamh Dobson, First Secretary, Climate Change, Australian High Commission Suva
Ilisapeci Masivesi, Director of Programs, Oxfam in the Pacific
Vinay Singh, Regional Nature-Based Solutions Coordinator, IUCN
Iliesa Lutu, Senior Program Manager, Human Rights and Disability, DFAT
The speakers shared insights on the challenges of delivering climate-focused programs, the need for inclusive approaches, and how alumni play critical roles at local and regional levels.
A Call to Action
Participants at the Talanoa event were encouraged to contribute actively during the question and answer session, reflecting on how they might respond to the ‘call to action’ to apply their knowledge, networks, and leadership in support of Fiji’s climate agenda.
The evening closed with a live commitment activity, where alumni pledged their climate actions via an interactive survey, and a celebration of community with music, and networking.
0 Comments
Leave a comment