PNG In-Country Implementing Partners joined other partners from across the Pacific for a three-days Regional Safeguarding in Sports Workshop held in Nadi, Fiji, from 23rd to 25th September 2025.
The event brought together representatives from One Netball PNG, One Netball Tonga, and One Netball Samoa, who shared experiences and learned new ways to make sports safer and more inclusive.
The workshop was proudly funded and supported by Team Up, UN Women, Oceania Impact Network, European Union, ONOC, Oceania Equity Commission, Olympism 365, and Olympic Solidarity. It was officially opened by Andrew Lepani, Team Up Lead.
Over the three days, participants focused on several key outcomes. These included learning bystander intervention skills to respond safely and effectively, exploring safeguarding strategies for major events, and using the Safeguarding Toolkit. They also discussed preliminary findings from a University of Queensland feasibility study on the proposed IOC Regional Safeguarding Hub for the Pacific. Additionally, they learned how to use MERL tools to monitor safeguarding actions and measure impact.
Team PNG was given the honor of presenting its Country Action Plan, highlighting national strategies and priorities.
The workshop included interactive sessions, group discussions, scenarios, and role plays, helping participants better understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to apply them in real situations.
Organizers and participants expressed gratitude to DFAT through Team Up for making the event possible and supporting safeguarding initiatives in Oceania.
The key message from the workshop was clear: “Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.”
