Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka today officiated the ground- breaking ceremony for the Pacific Community (SPC) new office building in Suva.
The partnership with SPC underscores the Fiji Government’s continued commitment to the advancement of regional cooperation, scientific excellence, and collective progress across the Pacific.
While delivering his official address, Prime Minister Rabuka said the occasion marks a milestone for the SPC, as it takes another step forward in its journey to continuously better its services and assistance to the region.
“The onus is upon us as Pacific Island Countries to work together and continue to advocate for issues that are most important to us, such as climate change, sea level rise and the economic development of our island nations,” said the PM.
Prime Minister Rabuka extended Fiji’s appreciation to the SPC, its leadership and the staff for the work undertaken to strengthen regional cooperation, foster sustainable development and enhance the well-being of Pacific Island people through innovation and excellence.
“Fiji has had a longstanding relationship with the SPC, first and foremost as a member country and second, as a host to one of SPC’s five regional offices,” he added.
“SPC has also a supported Fiji through various projects related to climate adaptation, agriculture, maritime boundaries, disaster risk management, gender equality and youth empowerment, to name a few, in which we are grateful.”
The Prime Minister took the opportunity to reaffirm Fiji’s commitment to working closely with the SPC in fulfilling all our host country obligations.
He noted that, as a demonstration of this commitment, Cabinet approved a funding support of FJD $3.7 million in April towards the construction of the new SPC regional office building.
Established in 1947, SPC is the oldest Pacific governed and owned institution serving the needs of 22 Pacific Island Countries and Territories.
From the outset, Fiji has been a steadfast member, offering not only a home for SPC but also a foundation of support innovation and science that has an impact both locally and across our entire Pacific region.
SPC has supported Fiji through ongoing projects related to climate adaptation, agriculture, maritime boundaries, disaster risk management, gender equality and youth empowerment.
The new facility supported by the Governments of Fiji and Australia, in partnership with SPC, will strengthen coordination, innovation and efficient service delivery.
The initiative demonstrates Fiji’s commitment to building stronger and resilient Pacific for the current and future generations.
