Nadi, Fiji – 28 January 2026 — Cooperatives have a vital role to play in shaping a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for the Pacific, Ministeer for Finace, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Esrom Immanuel said today at the opening of the Pacific Regional Dialogue on Cooperatives as Drivers of the Blue-Green Economy in Nadi.

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Immanuel noted that while the Pacific region is rich in natural resources, biodiversity and strong community traditions, it continues to face interconnected challenges including climate change, food insecurity, rising costs of living, youth unemployment and economic vulnerability in small island developing states.

“The question before us is not whether development is necessary, but how we pursue development that is just, inclusive and sustainable,” he said.

Hon. Immanuel described the blue-green economy as more than a policy concept, calling it a shared responsibility to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and social wellbeing.

In this context, he highlighted cooperatives as long-standing Pacific institutions rooted in collective effort, shared responsibility and community ownership, with a proven ability to translate policy objectives into practical outcomes at the community level.

“Across key sectors, cooperative models demonstrate that economic development and environmental sustainability can reinforce one another. Cooperatives are uniquely positioned to operationalise the blue-green economy in the Pacific,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that cooperatives cannot thrive in isolation and require enabling ecosystems to succeed. These include supportive policy and legislative frameworks, improved access to finance and markets, appropriate technology, and strong governance and accountability structures.

From a government and policy perspective, Hon. Immanuel outlined three key priority areas: aligning national development plans, climate action and food security strategies with cooperative legislation; expanding access to finance and market opportunities; and strengthening capacity development and inclusion across cooperative enterprises.

He welcomed the regional nature of the dialogue, noting that while Pacific Island countries differ in context, they share common challenges and opportunities that are best addressed collectively.

Hon. Immanuel also welcomed plans for the dialogue to culminate in the development of a Pacific Island Cooperative Action Agenda for the Blue-Green Economy, describing it as a timely and practical roadmap to guide governments, development partners and cooperative movements across the region.

“The future of the Pacific will not be shaped by policies alone, nor by markets alone,” he said. “It will be shaped by people working together — pooling resources, sharing risks and stewarding our environment for future generations.”

The Pacific Regional Dialogue on Cooperatives as Drivers of the Blue-Green Economy brings together government representatives, cooperative leaders and development partners from across the region and will continue over the coming days in Nadi.

-ENDS-