A uniquely Pacific approach to collaboration took centre stage at the 2026 International Working Group (IWG) Global Summit on Women and Sport, as the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) showcased the evolution of the Oceania Impact Network (OIN) during the Summit's SHIFT Session.
Presented by ONOC's Oceania Impact Network Coordinator Ala-Cassandra Singh, the session demonstrated how a simple conversation between partners at the IWG Global Summit in Auckland four years ago has grown into one of the Pacific's leading collaborative initiatives for safe, inclusive and equitable sport.
The presentation, titled "Strength of the Pacific Approach: Proof That Another Way Is Possible," shared the OIN journey from its beginnings in 2022 to becoming a Pacific-led impact network connecting organisations across the region around a shared vision of creating safe and inclusive sporting environments.
Opening the session, ONOC Vice President and Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee President Emma Waiwai reflected on the importance of Pacific leadership in shaping solutions that respond to the realities of the region.
"The Pacific has always understood the strength of relationships. The Oceania Impact Network shows what becomes possible when organisations trust one another, align behind a common purpose and work together rather than separately. This is Pacific leadership in action."
Singh explained that while many organisations were already delivering excellent programmes across Oceania, they often worked independently despite addressing the same challenges.
"The gap was never commitment," Singh said.
"It was connection.
"Instead of creating another organisation, we created a network built on trust, shared outcomes and Pacific values. Today, we have evidence that this model works."
Her presentation outlined how the Network has expanded from an initial concept into a collaborative partnership bringing together the ONOC Equity Commission, UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office, the Australian Government Sports for Development Programme Team Up, the International Olympic Committee through Olympic Solidarity and Olympism365, along with a growing network of regional partners. Together they have developed shared programmes in leadership, safeguarding, inclusion, policy development and community investment across Oceania.
The presentation highlighted that since its establishment, the Oceania Impact Network has supported collaborative initiatives across 23 Pacific nations and territories, delivering programmes including Wāhine Toa Oceania, regional safeguarding workshops, safeguarding support at major sporting events and the Play for Equity Fund, all under a shared regional framework.
The Network's approach recognises that complex issues such as violence against women and girls, unsafe sporting environments and gender inequality cannot be addressed through isolated programmes alone, but require coordinated action across governments, sport organisations, communities and development partners.
Following Singh's presentation, the Australian Government Sports for Development Programme Team Up's Roshika Deo shared the partner perspective through the Play for Equity initiative, illustrating how collaborative investment is creating practical change within communities throughout the Pacific.
Closing the session, Singh invited delegates from around the world to consider adopting similar collaborative approaches.
"The challenges we face are not unique to the Pacific," she said.
"What we have learned over the past four years is that shared challenges require shared solutions. Our invitation is simple connect with us, work alongside us, or build your own network. The model is not proprietary. It simply requires trust, commitment and the courage to work differently."
The presentation concluded by outlining the Network's next phase, which includes strengthening evidence, expanding regional partnerships and using major events such as the Pacific Games and Brisbane 2032 as opportunities to further embed safeguarding, gender equity and inclusion throughout Pacific sport.
The Oceania Impact Network continues to demonstrate how Pacific-led collaboration can deliver meaningful systems change, reinforcing Oceania's growing leadership in advancing safe, inclusive and equitable sport across the region and providing a model that resonates far beyond the Pacific.
The Oceania Impact Network Case Study that accompanied the IWG 2026 SHIFT Session is available here:
