Salutations:
Ni sa bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
Let us begin by first acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we stand today. Ki na Vanua ‘o Vunivivi, vua na Koya mai Nausori.
We pay our respects to their Chiefs, both past and present, as well as emerging leaders and members of the Vanua o’ Vunivivi, some of whom are be present here today.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a great pleasure to be here to celebrate with you this momentous occasion and launch the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025. The theme this year “Cooperatives Build a Better World’, recognizes our national vision of Co-operatives playing a significant role as a vehicle for change and prosperity for our communities.
The Importance of Co-operatives As we commemorate this global initiative, let us reaffirm Fiji’s national vision for co-operatives: to empower communities through collective action, rooted in the timeless Fijian principle of solesolevaki.
For generations, this ethos has guided our progress—from village councils advancing shared development goals to women’s co-operatives fostering economic opportunities—aligning with our commitment to inclusive growth, social equity, and sustainable development as outlined in Fiji’s National Development Plan.
Modelling the true essence of cooperation, co-operatives are more than just business models; they are a way of life. They embody the spirit of togetherness, resilience, and empowerment. At their core, co-operatives unite individuals who share common goals, providing the foundation for sustainable development and economic growth.
Global Perspective and Local Impact
Ladies and Gentlemen, Co-operatives are a global phenomenon. They progressively thrive in the communities for our beloved
nation, and across the globe.
Please allow me to put the movement into perspective.
At least 12 percent of the world’s population are co- operative members – over 1 billion are members of the 3 million co-operatives worldwide that contribute to 10 percent of the global workforce.
The economic impact does not end there – The top 300 co-operatives alone generate $2.4billion USD in annual turnover equating to $5.5 billion FJD – similar to the GDP figure of major economies.
It’s not about crunching numbers but about people-powered businesses that prioritizes resilience in community and equity. Let today be a reminder of the transformative role that cooperatives play in shaping our shared future.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have seen firsthand how co-operatives transformed our lives in Fiji. They empower Fijians to overcome poverty, gain financial independence and contribute to the well-being of their families and communities.
Fijian co-operatives have acted as catalysts for socio- economic empowerment, providing countless opportunities for our farmers, fisher folk, artisans and entrepreneurs. By pooling resources and sharing knowledge, co-operatives have empowered individuals to craft their own destinies, ensuring that everyone has a stake in our collective success.
A prime example of this is the Narocake Co-operative Limited, based in Lovu, owned by the Vanua Narocake, comprising thirteen mataqalis from three villages Lovu, Vadravadra and Yadua, in Gau, Lomaiviti. (sa yaga na dina lailai ka sa bau toka!) The co-operative has successfully secured an agreement for the sale of treated Pine timber and logs. It has also built 10 homes for its
members, showcasing the powerful impact co-operatives can have in meeting the housing needs of their communities
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Cooperative Movement in Fiji was introduced during the colonial era under British rule. The movement was inspired by the success of cooperative models in Britain and other Commonwealth countries. The British colonial government introduced the concept to help indigenous Fijians participate more actively in the economy and to encourage collective economic activities, particularly in agriculture and retail.
Key figures and contributors to the Cooperative
Movement in Fiji include:
1. Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna – A significant proponent of indigenous economic empowerment, he supported the idea of cooperatives as a means for indigenous Fijians to strengthen their economic position.
2. Colonial Administrators – British colonial officials helped draft the initial cooperative laws and regulations, encouraging local participation in cooperative enterprises.
3. Ratu Edward Cakobau – Another influential leader who promoted economic self-reliance among Fijians through cooperatives.
Timeline and Development:
• The Cooperative Societies Ordinance was introduced in 1947, providing the legal framework for the formation of
cooperatives in Fiji.
• Early cooperatives were mostly focused on agriculture (sugarcane, copra, and root crops) and retail trading.
• By the 1950s and 1960s, the movement expanded, with cooperatives becoming central to rural development and indigenous economic participation.
The movement aimed to empower indigenous Fijians economically, reduce reliance on foreign traders, and create self-sufficiency within local communities.
Historically, Fiji has had a long and rich co-operative movement with our first ever co-operative, Naluna Co- operative Limited located not very far from here in Vunivaivai, Nakelo, Tailevu, being registered back in 1948. Whilst Fijian co-operatives had largely consisted of consumer and copra producing co-operatives, the movement has evolved over the years with co-operatives
now venturing into exciting new industries such as carbon trading and renewable energy – breaking the norms and driving innovation.
For instance, Matababani Cooperative Ltd in Nadroga has embraced renewable energy initiatives, demonstrating the potential of co-operatives to drive sustainable development and empower communities. Similarly, Lavena Eco Tourism in Taveuni offers guided tours that emphasize biodiversity and local culture, blending tourism with environmental sustainability to create unique experiences.
Another notable example is the Drawa Carbon Cooperative, which focuses on sustainable forestry and carbon offset projects that not only contribute to reforestation and biodiversity restoration but also generate income for local communities through carbon credit markets. These co-operatives exemplify the evolving role of collective action in addressing environmental challenges and fostering community growth.
Fiji now has over 715 registered co-operatives operating across 15 different sectors and consisting of about 40,000 members. Collectively, these co-operatives hold $151 million in assets whilst generating $26million in revenue and $2.5million in profits. These figures alone demonstrate broad-based economic engagement and untapped potential of co-operatives to further enhance our socio-economic development.
By pooling resources, co-operatives act as safety nets during economic shocks or natural disasters, enhancing
community stability.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Coalition Government recognises that co-operatives are critical partners for achieving Fiji’s long-term socio-
economic goals. This is underlined by our supportive assistance programmes and initiatives available in various Government Ministries.
Additionally, to further promote and scale co-operatives, we introduced the Co-operative Development Fund – a grant programme specifically designed for co-operative businesses. Through this pilot initiative the Coalition Government aims to support co-operatives in realising their potential and contributing to their local economies.
In launching the International Year of Co-operatives, we send a clear and loud message to the people of Fiji and to
the world: that the time for change is now. The challenges we face, the bottlenecks that have emerged, and the obstacles that weigh on us individually are not insurmountable. They are shared burdens – and shared burdens demand shared efforts and solutions.
No challenge is too great when met with a united and collective purpose.
It is time to harness the strength of our communities, to build partnerships that transcend borders, and to drive innovation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Let this year serve as a catalyst for collaboration among co-operatives across Fiji and the Pacific Island Countries, emphasizing our shared responsibility to protect our environment and empower our communities.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a Call to Action:
With the assistance of NGOs like Conservation International, Pacific Blue Foundation, and others, which have encouraged the formation of co-operatives in coastal villages to champion sustainability while ensuring livelihoods, we are reminded of the crucial role these co-operatives play in both economic and environmental well-being.
Together with the people of Fiji, we pledge to raise awareness about the importance of co-operatives, not just in economic terms, but as vehicles for social and environmental change. We will be spotlighting successful examples from our own islands, like the sugar and fisheries co-operatives, which have not only contributed to our economy but have also championed sustainable practices that preserve our precious environment for generations to come.
But this is just the beginning. With every co-operative we form, we are rewriting Fiji’s story of resilience and sustainability and reigniting a movement. We are embracing innovation, championing social justice and fostering human connection across diverse cultures and communities. Let us encourage our youth to take the lead in this movement, to step into spaces of leadership,
creativity, and entrepreneurship. Their passion, their ideas, and their vision will carve fresh pathways, ways that are rooted in our past.
Ladies and Gentlemen
After having said all these, let me return to a basic truth. The world has just come to understand something that we as a people have known since our beginning; as integral to us. ‘Cooperative’ finds its base and spirit in our oneness as a people. This is the founding tenet of our iTaukei identity and culture. For the cooperative tothrive and sustain itself, our unity and solidarity as the
vanua and people are key; and must remain strong.
Without that sense of belonging, that affinity and common identity, it is difficult for cooperative to find its place, to remain meaningful as the name tells us.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Coalition Government is committed to reinforcing the support structures that enable co-operatives to thrive. In this respect we will bring the province into the formal government development structure and recognize it as the platform of economic development. Here, the village is the basic economic unit.
These will be reinforced with the appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks to consolidate their places, lift participation and drive growth. As seen in the achievements of cooperatives, when the collective base improves, individual households and citizens benefit.
It is our responsibility to provide the necessary framework and resources to empower our citizens, to facilitate access to education, technology, and investment. Our investment in training programs, incubators, and the strengthening of a co-operative mindset that encourages collaboration and nurtures the spirit of entrepreneurship
are still needed.
As we embark on this journey together during the International Year of Co-operatives 2025, let us share our history and our stories, learn from each other, and amplify the voices of those who have harnessed the power of cooperation to elevate their lives.
We must celebrate our successes and learn from our challenges, creating a culture of resilience and adaptability.
Ladies and Gentlemen, together, let us refresh our narrative – one that honors the legacy of our ancestors, their age-old system, culture and wisdom, and envision a future informed by the hard-earned lessons of unity and hardwork, filled with promise and possibility for generations to come. Let us be the architects of a co-operative world, where harmony and equity flourish, and every individual is empowered to contribute to the greater good.
I urge each one of you to take this spirit of cooperation, of solesolevaki to heart. Engage with your communities, support our provinces and local initiatives, and advocate for policies that foster collaboration. Share your stories of how co-operatives have transformed your lives and communities.
Let us build a movement that resonates from the bustling markets of Suva to the serene shores of our outer islands. We are stronger together, and it is only through unity that we can achieve our dreams. Together, we will build bridges, shatter barriers, and pave the way for a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives 2025 represents a powerful opportunity for us — Fiji, a nation of islands, cultures, and communities — to shine brightly as an example of what we can achieve through collaboration. Together, let us embark on this journey of empowerment and
transformation.
Let us be remembered as the generation that turned co- operative spirit into national strength—uniting for progress, prosperity, and peace. Let us show the world that the cooperative way of doing things, our way, is not just our past; it is our present, and it is our future.
Vinaka Vakalevu