Twenty Pacific islands ministers have gathered in Rarotonga this week to discuss solutions and ideas to combat water and wastewater threats.

Held at the National Auditorium, the 8^th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers’ Forum, and the 15^th Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference and Expo, officially opened on Monday, under the theme, “Water resilience in the Pasifika – navigating the currents of change for a climate resilient region.”

In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure, interpreted the theme as an acknowledgement of the rich Pasifika heritage of ocean navigation and livelihood.

Nicholas underscored the Pacific’s ongoing appeal in urging the rest of the world to cut emissions and support adaptations to climate change under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) framework.

“There is no doubt that climate change, the global challenge of our time is a big wave. Our islands’ vulnerability to its effects, poses a significant threat to our people’s livelihoods,” he said.

“This means we can expect intensified tropical cyclones, more severe flooding, longer droughts and rising sea levels.

“These effects can destroy and contaminate the entire water supplies negatively impacting human and environmental health, food security, and our countries economic development pathways to sustainable future.”

Over the next few days of the conference, Nicholas highlighted that the focus would be on finding solutions to address the harsh reality of climate change impacts.

He added that there is a need to advance efforts to prioritise water, access sustainable finance, improve and use data information, build capacities, transfer technology and renovations, and promote good governance in the water sector.

Over 200 guests, including ministers and their delegations, were welcomed in a traditional ceremony. Afterward, they were entertained by a traditional Cook Islands dance performed by Te Aponga Uira team, who had participated in the Te Maeva Nui festival 2024.

Twelve-year-old Ngapoe Urirau and 10-year-old Patiora Ahiao, both from Apii Avarua Primary School, announced the water poetry competition winners. TALAIA MIKA/24083030

The opening ceremony also saw 12-year-old Ngapoe Urirau and 10-year-old Patiora Ahiao, both from Apii Avarua, receiving awards for their poems in a water poetry competition organised by the Rarotonga water agency To Tatou Vai, for primary school students to highlight the importance of water

Fuimaono Dominic Schwalger, chairman of the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association and chief executive officer of the Samoa Water Authority, stressed that the forum held in conjunction with the conference provides a key mechanism for collaboration and partnerships amongst the Pacific member countries to boost and advocate for more support to the region’s water challenges.

“It provides platform for advocacy on the priority that should be placed on water resilience in the face of climate change but also on the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association as a big body for water and wastewater in the Pacific,” Schwalger said.

“The conference and exhibition aim to network and collaborate efforts for building capacity and bringing investments for our utilities as well as to build and renew lasting partnerships for the Pacific communities.”

Cook Islands was also presented with gifts from all the participating countries, each with different meanings that signify their cultures.