Unleashing the Power of Pacific Minds: Reliving the Electric Energy of CONNECT 2023
TUPUTOA Connect Conference Friday 1st of July 2023 (CORDIS Hotel) Post by Joanna Bourke
#IYKYK… because on July 1st, 2023, the Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF) and TupuToa joined forces to host ‘CONNECT’ a gathering of over 300 dynamic individuals in person with 300 more beaming in virtually from all corners of the Pacific!
But this wasn't your ordinary event; add the University of the South Pacific (USP) to the equation and you had a technological symphony that reached all 12 USP countries live! Talk about connectivity and community spirit on an unprecedented scale!
CONNECT was more than just a boujee luncheon with speakers; it was a living testament to the unwavering commitment of PCF to unleash the potential of the Pacific community. Focused on three core pillars - strengthening identity, deepening relationships, and amplifying voices - CONNECT was all about aligning to the core pillars and empowering Pacific voices to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.
A star-studded line-up of speakers and panels that ignited passions and sparked inspiration was on the menu!
Dr. Patrina Dumaru, a force to be reckoned with, shared her profound insights grounded in her Fijian heritage on climate change adaptation in the Pacific, with a compelling emphasis on embracing native language and culture to tackle environmental challenges head-on.
The Tech Panel was a fusion of brilliance and innovation, featuring the industry giants themselves - Dan Walker from Microsoft, Hamish Miles from Salesforce, and Suzanne Miller from Datacom. They unleashed the power of tech in New Zealand and beyond, revealing opportunities for all with perseverance and hard-work!
The Leadership Panel facilitated by Agnes Naera of Global Women led the way as we absorbed wisdom from esteemed figures like Ed Tuari, Haylee Putaranui, Leo Foliaki, and Tracey Taylor, who dropped truth bombs on their journeys on growth and leadership. Our notebooks couldn't keep up!
And then, the awe-inspiring grand finale from - Dr. Hinemoa Elder who took us on a journey with ‘Hinengaro ‘and its profound connection to health and wellbeing!
CONNECT wasn't just about the key-notes and incredible panels; it was about forging transformative partnerships with corporations, opening up opportunities for all. This event was the ultimate platform where indigenous voices thundered, echoing their urgency on Tech, Workforce Development, Economic Growth, Wellbeing, Resilience, Climate, and Sustainability.
But the magic didn't stop there. The collaboration with USP was nothing short of epic, as students across the Pacific found themselves face-to-face with trailblazing leaders. Barriers shattered, and connections flourished as technology broke the borders between people and ideas.
The echoes of CONNECT will resonate for generations to come. This unforgettable event symbolized the collective will and unwavering determination to empower the Pacific community.
The Pacific Cooperation Foundation and TupuToa have proven that when forces unite with a shared vision, the power of transformation becomes unstoppable!
We're not done yet!
Hold your excitement because you can now relive the electrifying energy of CONNECT through the recording available at the PCF channel on YouTube.
(Pacific Cooperation Foundation Youtube channel)
This event was just the beginning of something truly extraordinary - a rallying cry that will ignite the Pacific minds and hearts for years to come.
Stay connected, stay inspired, and be the change the world is waiting for!