Growing Stronger Together: Supporting OPDs across the Pacific
Pacific, Stories | June 24, 2025
CBM Australia is proud to partner with Pacific Disability Forum on the Growing Stronger Together program – an initiative dedicated to building the strength, resilience and effectiveness of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in 14 Pacific Island nations. This innovative program exemplifies a locally led, movement-driven approach to organisational development and capacity-building.
Growing Stronger Together was developed in response to specific challenges faced by OPDs in the Pacific region. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of strong organisational infrastructure and digital connectivity, and increasing interest by donors to engage with OPDs opened up new levels of opportunities here. In response, the program places a strong emphasis on improving governance, compliance and operational capability, empowering OPDs to effectively advocate for inclusion and disability rights.
At the core of the program is a focus on capacity development and practical training. Each participating OPD begins with a thorough assessment that includes a SWOT analysis, risk identification, and a tailored workplan. This helps identify key areas for improvement in governance, compliance and financial systems, providing a clear path forward.
In-country training workshops form another key part of the program. OPD staff and volunteers gain hands-on skills in leadership, governance and financial management. These sessions help build strong foundations so that OPDs can better meet local challenges and influence positive change. Training areas include strategic planning, finance, data collection, reporting, communications, and monitoring and evaluation.
Stakeholder engagement is also essential to the success of the initiative. The program facilitates dialogues and partnership-building with government departments, donors and UN agencies, fostering collaboration and policy alignment in support of disability inclusion.
The program is already making a meaningful impact. In 2024 and 2025, reflection workshops have been held, providing spaces for OPDs to share insights, grow through peer-to-peer learning, and strengthen their strategies. As the program continues, it seeks to build on this momentum – sustaining progress and scaling its reach so OPDs remain strong, trusted voices in the disability movement. As the program progresses, it is exciting to see that the founding principle that this be an OPD capacity building program delivered by OPDs is being embodied not only by PDF, but also through other leading OPDs in the region sharing their lessons and mentoring other OPDs.
CBM Australia is committed to standing alongside the Pacific Disability Forum implementing the Growing Stronger Together to support OPDs throughout the Pacific. Championing localisation, partnerships and the leadership of people with disabilities helps to create a more equitable and inclusive future.
Image top: Growing Together Stronger workshop in 2024.
https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/growing-stronger-together-supporting-opds-across-the-pacific
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