BY JOY OFASIA
The newly elected Chairman of Mai-Maasina Green Belt (MMGB)Edward Haikau Huitarau has called on communities across the region to stand together and work toward a stronger, fairer future.
Speaking at the organization’s Triannual General Meeting held at Ahetaha Conservation village in East Are’Are, Huitarau said unity is not just a theme, but “an urgent call to action.”
“We gather today under a simple yet thoughtful banner: ‘Uniting for Our Future,’” he said. “This is not just a theme, but an urgent call to action. In a world often fragmented by differences and short-term challenges, our ability to look beyond immediate horizons and work together is our greatest asset.”
Huitarau told those attending that the future is something people shape through the choices they make each day. He said the short history of MMGB already shows that real progress happens when people join forces.
“Our future is not a predetermined destination; it is a path we forge every day,” he said. “Significant progress is rarely achieved in isolation. When diverse perspectives come together, and when we respect our past while striving for innovation, we find real solutions.”
He compared building a strong community to building a strong structure, saying both require many different materials and skills. “A resilient future requires all of us, working in concerted effort,” he added.
Huitarau reminded the gathering that MMGB faces tough challenges, from climate change to uneven economic development. These problems, he said, cannot be solved by any one person, group, or tribe.
“As a small team advocating for conservation work in this region, we face complex issues that demand shared responsibility,” he said. He added that new partnerships and new ways of financing development were needed “to ensure no one is left behind.”
He also shared examples of unity making a difference in people’s lives. He spoke of individuals who faced great hardship but were able to rebuild their lives after receiving support from community programs. “These are powerful examples of what happens when we create opportunities for one another,” he said. “When we support each other, the impact is transformative.”
Huitarau said the theme Uniting for Our Future reminds everyone that personal well-being is closely tied to the well-being of the community and the environment. It means seeking common ground, welcoming new partners, and working toward shared goals.
As the meeting moved forward, he urged the group to continue supporting projects that help young people, who he called “our future leaders.”
“By working together, respecting our differences, and focusing on our shared humanity, we can build a future that is brighter, more equitable, and more resilient for emerging generations,” Huitarau said. “Thank you.”
