Pacific Disability Forum

Pacific Disability Forum Marks the Conclusion of Strategic Plan 2021–2026
30 June 2026 | Suva, Fiji

The Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) today marks the official conclusion of its Strategic Plan 2021–2026, closing a significant chapter in its ongoing journey to advance the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities across the Pacific.

The final day of the strategic cycle was observed with a quiet and reflective atmosphere at the Secretariat in Suva, as staff paused to acknowledge both achievements and transitions.

In a heartfelt message to staff, Chief Executive Officer Sainimili Tawake expressed deep gratitude for the collective contributions made over the years. She acknowledged the “invaluable years of service, unwavering commitment, and dedication” demonstrated by staff, noting that their efforts have played a vital role in advancing the Forum’s vision and mission.

Sainimili Tawake further highlighted that the work carried out during this strategic period has strengthened the organisation and contributed meaningfully to the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities across the Pacific. The dedication, professionalism, and collaboration of staff have helped shape PDF into a respected regional body, with a lasting impact on communities, particularly Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).

The Pacific Disability Forum is expected to enter a new phase in the coming months, with opportunities for renewed growth and continued service to the disability movement in the region.

PDF extends its heartfelt vinaka vakalevu to all staff — past and present — whose dedication and passion have advanced disability inclusion across the Pacific and strengthened the voice of persons with disabilities.

Pacific Disability Forum would like to acknowledge the funding support of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the partnership of CBM Australia and cbm New Zealand.

Australia Awards' Women Leading and Influencing have produced a research study in partnership with La Trobe University 's Centre for Human Security and Social Change.

The research paper - Everyday Development Leadership: How Pacific women drive change - and suite of 10 case studies showcases how Pacific women, regardless of title or position, practice everyday leadership to influence positive change in their communities and countries.

One case study highlights Ipul Powasea who has been a powerful advocate for disability rights and inclusion in Papua New Guinea for almost two decades. She played a central role in PNG’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and has helped bring disability issues into national and regional conversations.

During a recent Australia Awards WLI Learning and Networking event, one of the attendees said "The first time I met Ms. Ipul just by her passion I knew she is a woman that I need to walk behind and learn from and she has changed a lot of advocacy tools around persons with disability and gender-based violence".

Today, Ipul says there is far more awareness around disability inclusion – and she believes it’s vital to strengthen the leadership of the next generation of people with disabilities, ensuring they have a clear purpose and direction. She continues to mentor emerging leaders and build the “champions” needed to drive long‑term change.

“I never wanted to be identified as a person with disabilities — but I realised that was my identity. And I saw that many people were still struggling and crying out for help. That’s how I got into the movement and took on leadership.”

Read more about Ipul’s work in PNG and with WLI, and how trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility shape her leadership 👉 [https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649226efa5faed5901e05da6/69ae1bb8ff9c39b43a282b24_00426%20WLI%20CaseStudy_Ipul%20Powaseu.pdf]

Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea