We are delighted to invite you to an upcoming webinar featuring distinguished Pacific leader John Loau, Chair of the Pacific Blues, who will share invaluable insights on Pacific leadership in today’s global landscape. This timely discussion is particularly relevant for our Samoan community and Pacific Island nations.

This webinar highlights the vibrant fashion heritage of Sierra Leone and the rise of eco-conscious design. Sierra Leone boasts a rich textile tradition with handwoven cloth and batik designs providing livelihoods for many artisans, particularly women.Despite challenges like insufficient infrastructure, training, and access to sustainable materials, designers and entrepreneurs are shifting towards eco-conscious practices. Trippies Clothing, founded by Denise King, exemplifies this movement with its commitment to sustainable African fashion.Founded in 2016, Trippies specializes in hand-dyed batik clothing, responsibly blending tradition with environmental consciousness. The brand works with interns and local artisans, empowering them through training and participation in national and international workshops. Despite hurdles such as funding and production challenges, Trippies is committed to promoting African culture and establishing its unique identity within Sierra Leone's evolving fashion industry.Denise King emphasized the need for government support, infrastructure improvements, and increased access to ethical and sustainable materials. The webinar underscores the positive role local fashion initiatives can play in empowering communities, preserving heritage, and fostering international collaboration.

In the recent webinar "Empowering Travel for All," Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce Chair, Julia Charlton, hosted Simon Sansome, founder of the Snowball Community, an app designed to rate and review venues based on accessibility. The discussion highlighted the prevalence of disability, affecting 1.3 billion people globally, and the significant barriers faced, particularly in terms of transportation and societal attitudes.Simon shared the remarkable milestones of Snowball, which has grown to almost 100,000 reviews, and his recognition in the UK as an influential advocate for accessibility. The app’s expansion plans include hiring 45 staff members as consultants and developing features like a filter system to enhance user experience. Simon's achievements were further recognized with awards like the SantanderX Global Award, and his recent participation at a major tech event in Barcelona opened global networking opportunities.While planning global expansion, Simon discussed the technical and linguistic adaptations required, particularly in Spain, with endorsements from major entities like Santander. The Snowball Community app is positioned to drive societal change, not just for people with disabilities, but also for older adults who face accessibility challenges. Simon's inspiration comes from his personal experiences and the drive to improve life for individuals with disabilities, underscoring a message that accessibility benefits all in society.