BY JOY OFASIA
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele has called the theme of this year’s 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers (PWWM) Forum and the 16th Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA) Conference and Expo (PWWC25) Conference “a timely reminder” of the urgent need to ensure clean water and sanitation for all Pacific communities.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and the 16th Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference and Expo on Monday at the Friendship Hall, Prime Minister Manele reflected on the conference theme: “Water and Wastewater Services for All: Connecting people, policies and communities for a shared sustainable future.”
“This theme is a timely reminder to us that water and wastewater services are central to life and development,” PM Manele told participants from across the region.
He reminded the gathering that water is not just a development issue—it is a human issue that connects to climate change, infrastructure, and future generations.
“Across our global Pacific, we face shared challenges, including rising seas salting our groundwater, prolonged droughts straining our communities, extreme weather damaging infrastructure, and rising costs,” he said.
“But with every challenge comes an opportunity to work smarter, to work together, and to ensure that no Pacific child grows up without safe water and sanitation,” the Prime Minister added.
Manele encouraged forum participants to share their insights and innovations, urging deeper cooperation among Pacific nations.
“I urge you to share your experiences, knowledge, and solutions. Our region needs more integration—not just in training, but in how we plan and deliver water and wastewater services,” he said.
The weeklong forum, from August 25 to 29, brings together water ministers, experts, and stakeholders to collaborate on securing water and sanitation access for all in the Pacific.