H.R.H. Princess Owana Kaʻōhelelani and delegation attend the 2023 Stars of Oceania Ceremony Awards & Global Breadfruit Summit which was held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands during the week of August 21 - 25.

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The Stars of Oceania Awards recognizes and honors individuals, groups and organizations that reflect the inclusive values that care for Mother Earth with service, courage and power of aloha. A notable speaker in attendance was Kumu Ramsay Mahealani Taum, teacher, author, transformational thought leader, consultant and Kumu of Lua & Ho'oponopono.

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The event was organized by Papalii Dr. Failautusi ‘Tusi’ Avegalio a director of the multi national award winning Pacific Business Center Program (PBCP) and executive director of the Honolulu Minority Business Enterprise Center (HMBEC) at the UH Mānoa Shidler College of Business. 

 

H.R.H. Princess Owana Kaʻōhelelani also attended the Annual Global Breadfruit Summit, which showcases champions of breadfruit in the space of breadfruit research, production, processing and marketing.  The highly anticipated events brings together experts, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the world to explore the diverse uses and benefits of the versatile breadfruit. Over the course of the summit, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in lively discussions, attend informative sessions, and participate in hands-on activities that showcase the many ways in which breadfruit can be used as a sustainable and nutritious food source, as well as its potential as a source of income for communities around the world.

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Also during the week of August 21 -25, the 'Grassroots Partnerships for Pacific Solutions' was also held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.  The event was organised by Pacific Farmer Organisations and local partners Te Tango Enua and Korero o te 'Orau with financial support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development, U.S. Department of State, AgriCord and the European Union.

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The Grassroots Partnership Symposium was officially opened by the King's Representative to the Cook Islands, Sir Tom Marsters, KBE along with Queen Pa Upokotini Ariki of Vaka Takitumu. Opening remarks were also provided by Pacific Farmer Organisation Chairman, Minoru Nishi, and U.S. Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum, U.S. Ambassador Frankie A. Reed. This opening program provided a grounding in the context of the host country - Cook Islands and also enriched participants' understanding of regional collaboration both at the political and grassroots level.

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Key Partners in Development began with a keynote presentation by Kyle Stice, Executive Director of Pacific Farmer Organisations who provided context, common definitions and proposed a way forward for strengthening the role of grassroots organisations.