June 10, 2026
Business
The Webinar with Dr Alfred Oehlers on June 10, 2026, emphasized the urgent methamphetamine crisis in the Pacific, emphasizing the vital yet underrecognized role of the private sector in both experiencing and addressing the problem. Recent regional developments reveal a shift from transit to consumption, with criminal networks exploiting weak border controls leading to widespread accessibility and rising health and safety challenges in frontline countries like Fiji, Tonga, and PNG.
The Marshall Islands’ national response, including a summit and a four-pillar framework, notably lacked private sector participation, exposing a significant gap. The discussion underscored the profound impacts on workplaces—ranging from absenteeism and safety risks to reputational threats—and drew lessons from models in Australia, Canada, and Southeast Asia, adapted to Pacific realities.
Concrete recommendations called for Pacific businesses to develop clear drug policies, expand employee assistance programs, and formalize partnerships with authorities, with regional efforts urging private sector inclusion in upcoming forums and summits. The Webinar participants recognized that the private sector’s proactive engagement is crucial to shaping effective responses and safeguarding economic stability amid this rapidly evolving crisis.