Strengthening Partnerships in the Pacific: A Visit to Fiji and Australia

Over the past few weeks, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Fiji and Australia to deepen our partnerships, explore new collaboration opportunities, and learn firsthand about some of the remarkable work being done across the Pacific. This trip was a vivid reminder of the impact that strong, locally-led initiatives can have, and of the role that we can play in supporting sustainable development in the region.

One of the most inspiring experiences was spending four days with Women's Fund Fiji (WFF) and their grantee partners at their annual gathering. WFF has partnered with ACIC over two years through our International Youth Internship Program and has graciously hosted two cohorts of interns through this program. WFF is a feminist funding organization that supports grassroots organizations in Fiji that have a focus on gender equality. Over four days I had the opportunity to connect with numerous women and men that are passionate about issues and impact. These small yet highly effective organizations are tackling pressing issues like domestic violence, economic empowerment, and climate adaptation projects. It was truly motivating to see how relatively modest funding can create meaningful, tangible outcomes for communities.

Jennifer in Fiji with out Team Fiji IYIP interns, Lia and Jia

During the visit, I had the chance to meet with our IYIP interns, Jia Sun and Ria Khan, and hear about their experiences firsthand. It was so lovely to see how they are thriving in their overseas placement, supporting the work of WFF and gaining experience in their respective fields. Each of them has cultivated a network of colleagues and friends that are helping to shape their four-month experience.  I was so impressed by the work they have been doing with WFF and the relationships they have built in such a short time. We are fortunate to have strong mentorship and within the staff of WFF, who are contributing to the very positive experiences of the interns. 

While in Fiji, I also met with a number of international stakeholders. Our discussions with the Canadian High Commission in Fiji (including High Commissioner Jennifer Lalonde and Head of Cooperation David Fournier) were extremely productive, exploring opportunities for collaboration and alignment under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). In parallel, I met with staff from the University of the South Pacific (USP), UNDP, PIANGO, DFAT, and other regional network organizations. These conversations highlighted both the deep connections that already exist and the exciting potential to expand our engagement with civil society, research institutions, and youth-focused programs.

At the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Conference in Canberra, Australia, I connected with Australian CSOs from across the country, and representatives from the New Zealand Council for International Development and others in the region. These discussions opened the door for potential initiatives that could connect Indigenous voices across the Pacific, creating rich opportunities for shared learning and mutual support across communities.

One of the personal highlights of the trip was reconnecting with fellow alumni from the region, with whom I studied at the University of the South Pacific. It was a moment of nostalgia, reflecting on the shared learning and experiences from our time in university. What struck me most is how our work continues to align in practical, impactful ways today. Maintaining and nurturing these alumni relationships is not only personally rewarding, but it also strengthens professional networks and  enables knowledge exchange.

What stood out most during this visit is the importance of collaboration and local leadership. Investing in grassroots organizations, regional research institutions, and gender-focused initiatives is not just about funding programs, it is about nurturing relationships and encouraging cross-collaboration. As the Inter-Council Network rolls out a localization fund in the coming years, this visit has impacted my thinking on how important this investment is. Hearing from the interns also reinforced the need to provide structured mentorship, peer support, and networking opportunities to ensure youth placements are meaningful and impactful. 

The visit reinforced our commitment to building meaningful connections, learning from local partners, and ensuring that our programs are responsive, impactful, and aligned with regional priorities. Reconnecting with alumni reminded me that lasting relationships enrich our work and strengthen the foundation for future collaboration. Moving forward, I am excited about the possibilities for expanding youth and gender-focused initiatives under the IPS, and for continuing to strengthen the collaborative relationships that make this work possible.

Partnerships are at the heart of development, and this visit was a vivid reminder that every connection, every conversation, and every small investment can ripple outward to create lasting change.

Jennifer Sloot,

Executive Director

Atlantic Council for International Cooperation