share HONOLULU (April 7, 2021) -- Most Pacific Island nations have done a remarkable job of keeping COVID-19 levels low by closing themselves off, an analyst said during a recent discussion on pandemic recovery in the Pacific, but the cost has been severe economic damage that will require billions of dollars in external support and perhaps a decade to repair. Others speakers said that for the region’s recovery to succeed, it must also be guided by equitable policies and built on traditional knowledge and community values. The dialogue was part of the March 25 East-West Center virtual workshop “Strengthening Resilience, Cooperation, and Partnership in the Pacific.” Supported by the Government of Japan, the workshop convened academics, practitioners and policy professionals from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Pacific Islands countries and the US with expertise in regional dynamics, compound climate threats and disaster recovery mechanisms pertinent to the region.