Financial literacy is often discussed in terms of numbers, budgets and bank accounts. Yet for many people, particularly across Pacific communities, it is equally about confidence, resilience and the ability to make choices about one’s future.

On 7 May 2026, ICDP brought together participants from across Australia and the Pacific for an online dialogue titled Building Financial Confidence for a Stronger Tomorrow. The event attracted participants from Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Australia, reflecting the growing strength of ICDP’s regional network and the important role played by local hubs and community leaders.

The Dialogue featured Shani Jayamanne, Director and Investment Specialist at Morningstar Australia, who shared practical advice on managing debt, budgeting, saving, building emergency funds and navigating digital financial services. The session was co-facilitated by Catherine Fritz-Kalish AM, Director of ICDP, and Torika Kalman, ICDP Vanuatu Hub Coordinator.

One of the strongest messages to emerge from the discussion was that financial literacy is not simply about wealth accumulation. Rather, it is about building confidence, reducing financial stress and increasing people’s capacity to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Participants discussed the challenges of balancing personal financial security with family and community obligations. Many reflected on the pressures associated with supporting extended family members, managing household costs and operating small businesses in uncertain economic conditions. The conversation highlighted the importance of practical financial skills that are relevant to everyday life and grounded in local realities.

The Dialogue also explored the growing role of digital financial services across the Pacific. While digital banking and mobile financial tools offer significant opportunities, participants recognised the importance of improving financial literacy to help individuals navigate potential risks, including scams, predatory lending and misleading financial products.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of financial independence and resilience, particularly for women, who often experience additional financial pressures associated with caring responsibilities, interrupted workforce participation and community expectations.

Participants emphasised that building personal financial security should not be viewed as selfish, but rather as a foundation for supporting families and communities over the long term. Small, consistent steps such as budgeting, reducing harmful debt and building emergency savings were seen as practical ways to strengthen both individual and community resilience.

The strong engagement throughout the Dialogue demonstrated the demand for accessible and culturally informed financial education across Pacific communities. Participants expressed interest in future workshops, practical resources and ongoing discussions focused on business management, entrepreneurship and financial capability.

Read the full report of the Financial Literacy Dialogue here.