PHANZ CEO ATTENDS 2025 PACIFIC REGIONAL FORUM ON BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

The Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ) Chief Executive, Dr Cadence Kaumoana, participated at the 2025 United Nations Pacific Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights, held in Suva, Fiji, from 30 September to 2 October 2025.

The Forum brought together governments, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and business leaders from across the Pacific to discuss how human rights principles can be strengthened within business and development. Dr Kaumoana’s participation ensured that public health perspectives, particularly those grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, and the rights of communities most affected by systemic discrimination, were represented in this important dialogue.

“Public health is directly connected to human rights. From access to essential medicines, to safe workplaces, to the impacts of climate change and displacement, our role is to stand alongside communities to ensure health equity is not left out of these global and regional conversations,” Dr Kaumoana said.

Our CEO is committed to advocating for health justice at every level, local, national, regional, and global. We’re also please to build international connections that strengthen our capacity to influence decision-making and support the wellbeing of all communities across Aotearoa and the Pacific.