PDF 2023 Conference Discussion Paper

ADDC Executive Officer Kerryn Clarke travelled to Fiji 28 February – 3 March 2023 to attend the 7th Pacific Regional Conference on Disability, co-hosted by the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS). The Conference focused on the theme “Nothing Without Us: Deepening partnership for an inclusive and equitable Blue Pacific Continent for persons with disabilities”.  

Throughout the four days of the conference, it was clear that disability inclusion has come a long way in the past 10 years. The movement is increasingly focused on achieving disability equity, which means ensuring that people with disabilities are able to participate in conversations on an equal footing with everyone else. Mr Seta Macanawai, CEO of the Pacific Disability Forum, highlighted the importance of preconditions for inclusion, such as accessibility of assistive technology, inclusive education, and health equity, in building a foundation for disability equity. These discussions on language and strategy are crucial for the ongoing advancement of disability rights in the Pacific and beyond. 

The PDF 2023 Conference Discussion Papers, outlining their full recommendations on issues across the sector as required to achieve equity and fulfil rights of people with disabilities across the Pacific region, can be found in accessible Word and PDF versions.