NASWP Members strengthen food regulation and regional collaboration in Fiji

Temarama Anguna-Kamana, Coordinator for North America and the South West Pacific.

The Third Codex and Food Regulatory Forum for North America and the South West Pacific (NASWP), held from 29 to 31 March 2026 in Nadi, Fiji, brought together regional stakeholders to advance priority Codex work, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and enhance the participation of Pacific Island Countries in international standard-setting processes. The Forum convened 28 participants representing 10 countries.  

Over three days of structured discussions and technical working sessions, the Forum delivered concrete outputs aligned with CCNASWP priorities. Notably, participants made significant progress in the development of draft regional commodity standards for Galip (Canarium) nut and breadfruit flour, advanced a new work proposal on traditional earth oven cooking, and clarified pathways for addressing outstanding technical issues related to the Codex kava standard.  

The Forum also underscored the importance of adopting a more strategic and coordinated regional approach. This was reflected in the establishment of mechanisms to prioritize future work, the development of regional positions on emerging issues, and the agreement to institutionalize regular coordination meetings aligned with the Codex calendar. These efforts aim to support more consistent and effective engagement of NASWP members across Codex committees.  

Capacity-related challenges—including limited technical resources, data gaps, and institutional constraints—were highlighted throughout the discussions. In response, the Forum emphasized the need to strengthen data generation and use, enhance participation in electronic working groups, and promote practical, experience-based capacity building tailored to the region’s needs.  

“This Forum has demonstrated the value of structured regional coordination in advancing our priorities and strengthening our collective voice in Codex. The progress achieved reflects a shared commitment across the region. Looking ahead, maintaining this momentum through sustained collaboration and intersessional engagement will be essential to delivering tangible outcomes at CCNASWP18 and beyond,” said Mrs. Temarama Anguna-Kamana, Coordinator for North America and the South West Pacific.

Overall, the Forum contributed to advancing a more structured, evidence-informed, and coordinated regional engagement in Codex, laying a strong foundation for continued progress under the leadership of the Cook Islands as Regional Coordinator.  

Read more

The Third Codex and Food Regulatory Forum for North America and the South West Pacific (NASWP)

Photo © Temarama Anguna-Kamana