The re-establishment of “The Asia Foundation’s Regional Office” in Suva, Fiji which officially opened last night (12/10/22), is a landmark achievement, signifying an exemplary partnership between The Asia Foundation and Fijian Government in advancing the prosperity of the Pacific region.
The new Regional Office of The Asia Foundation will further complement the Fijian Government’s efforts to advance women’s empowerment and gender equality, inclusive economic growth, environment and climate actions, and regional and international relations.
Future plans and areas of cooperation were discussed at a courtesy call received by the Permanent Secretary for Office of the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs, Mr Yogesh Karan from The Asia Foundation President and CEO Mr David D. Arnold, yesterday. He was accompanied to the meeting by Dr Stephanie Fahey, the Board Trustee, and Dr Gordon Hein, Senior Vice President (Programs) and The Asia Foundation Regional Representative Pacific Islands, Sandra Kraushaar.
Mr Karan welcomed and thanked Mr Arnold for his first visit to Fiji, which signifies The Asia Foundation’s commitment to the Pacific region’s prosperity.
On behalf of @FIJIPM, Mr Karan congratulated The Asia Foundation on the re-establishment of the new regional office in Suva, which he said is a testament to the significant role of The Asia Foundation in advancing the Pacific’s priorities.
Mr Karan extended Fiji’s appreciation to The Asia Foundation for its expanded work in the Pacific through initiatives undertaken to empower communities in the Pacific, focusing on women’s leadership, climate actions and disaster management; enhancing digital opportunities and cybersecurity, amongst others.
He highlighted that “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent” is the key priority for the Pacific in building climate resilience and security. Fiji looks forward to The Asia Foundation’s cooperation in building an inclusive and sustainable future for the Pacific people, Asia and beyond.
At the meeting, there were exchanges of views on partnership prospects particularly on diplomatic skills support, leadership development opportunities and exchanges within the region and links to the United States.
In response, The Asia Foundation President and CEO, Mr David D. Arnold said that they are delighted to re-establish a regional office for the Pacific Islands here in Fiji, and thanked the Fijian Government for the cooperation and support extended to the Foundation over the past several years.
“We look forward to building strong and enduring partnerships across the region with organizations dedicated to advancing sustainable development goals in priority areas highlighted in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent,” added Mr Arnold.
The Asia Foundation’s Regional Representative Pacific Islands, Sandra Kraushaar, said that opening the Suva regional office is an important step in our commitment to supporting Pacific solutions to Pacific challenges.
“The Asia Foundation’s Pacific Islands Team is working with a range of partners, celebrating Pacific creativity through our Let’s Read program, working with partners on addressing human trafficking and modern slavery, investing in the future of work, and contributing to the resilience of local NGOs and enhancing local research capability that informs strategy and policy development,” Ms Kraushaar said.
Headquartered in San Francisco, The Asia Foundation is committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia. The Foundation works through a network of offices in 19 countries and in Washington, DC and it’s informed by six decades of experience, and local expertise, with the overarching vision for, “A peaceful, just, and thriving Asia and Pacific.”
