Samantha Power, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will travel to Fiji and Papua New Guinea next month.
The visit aims to emphasise the US government’s commitment to the region and highlight the USAID’s efforts in the Pacific Islands to make an enduring positive impact across the diverse countries where USAID works.
A trip advisory issued by USAID stated Ms Power will officially reestablish the USAID/Pacific Islands mission in Suva – Fiji’s capital city, and formally elevate USAID’s presence in Port Moresby (PNG) to a Country Representative Office covering PNG, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
It stated that at those launch events, Ms Power would underscore the United States’ commitment to advancing a more resilient Pacific Islands region, “one that can better respond and adapt to climate and disaster impacts and economic shocks, with strong political systems that champion democratic values, good governance, human rights, as well as promote equity and inclusion for all”.
The Administrator will also visit USAID initiatives in both Fiji and PNG, and meet with government officials, USAID partners, local leaders and communities, including women and youth, and private sector partners.
While in Fiji, Ms Power will also deliver remarks at this year’s Chiefs of Defense Conference, co-hosted by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
