Salutations
- The Honourable Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Ms. Sashi Kiran;
- The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Dirk Wagener;
- The United Nations Development Program Resident Representative, Ms. Munkhtuya Altangerel;
- Distinguished guests;
- Government Representatives;
- Partners from the Civil Society and Faith-based institutions;
- Development Partners and respective Donor Agencies;
- Members of the media;
- Ladies and Gentlemen.
Ni sa bula vina’a and a very good morning to you all.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we gather today, ki Nadonumai vua na Gone Turaga na Tui Suva.
We honour their leaders – past, present and emerging.
We also acknowledge their enduring role within the Vanua and remain grateful for their custodianship over their lands, waters and resources.
National Social Cohesion Stakeholder Conference
- It is an honour to be present here this morning, as we mark a significant milestone in our collective efforts to foster inclusivity, understanding and unity across our diverse communities.
- UNDP conceptualises social cohesion along two dimensions: vertical social cohesion, which concerns relations between citizens and their governments and horizontal social cohesion, which concerns relations between citizens and within and between groups of society.
- Vertical or state-centered social cohesion describes the degree of trust in national, subnational, or local governments and institutional processes, e.g. elections, access to justice and public services. It is reflected in the ability of governments to ensure effective service delivery, promote inclusive political processes and public policies, and the trust, legitimacy and confidence that citizens ascribe to governments, institutions and political processes.
- Horizontal or society-centered social cohesion describes the sense of trust, relationships and interactions among citizens across different identities or other social constructs, and in the way that social organisations, civil society and social institutions exhibit a sense of interdependency and ‘common destiny’. These horizontal relationships include bonding social capital, i.e. trust and attachment within groups with shared commonalities; bridging social capital, i.e. relationships and networks that extend across groups and societal divisions; and linking social capital, i.e. the cooperation across societal organisations, institutions, and leaders, such as inter-faith religious organis
- Vertical and horizontal social cohesion include both objective aspects, such as networks and inclusive societies, and subjective elements, e.g. attitudes, values, and beliefs of citizens towards the state and other groups of societies.
- Today’s stakeholder conference serves as a pivotal platform for inclusive dialogue and knowledge sharing, bringing together the diverse voices of our nation to co-create a unified vision for a more harmonious and resilient future.
- By bridging the perspectives of relevant stakeholders from Government institutions, faith-based organisations and our international partners, we are being intentional in our collective commitment to cultivating an environment where every voice is heard and every community is seen and valued.
Global Overview
- Complex and multifaceted challenges continue to affect us on a global scale, from the volatile fluctuations of the global economy to the escalating impacts of climate change that we witness around us and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
- These external pressures continue to test the strength of our national fabric, making it imperative that we remain resilient and secure in such unprecedented circumstances.
- During such global uncertainty and rapidly shifting socio-economic landscapes, our commitment to social cohesion has never been more vital.
Ocean of Peace
- The concept of the Ocean of Peace speaks to a Pacific understanding of security that is grounded in relationships, mutual respect and shared responsibility.
- It reflects the belief that peace is sustained not through division or competition, but through cooperation, dialogue and strong social bonds within (vertical) and between communities (horizontal).
- At its heart, social cohesion is built on the same values: the trust, mutual respect and inclusivity that bind our diverse communities together as one people.
- The Ocean of Peace reinforces social cohesion as it highlights that unity, trust and a shared sense of purpose strengthen societies against uncertainty and conflict and affirms that lasting peace is built through collective commitment to harmony, inclusion and common values.
- To honour this, the Coalition Government re-introduced key public holidays including Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day and Girmit Day to rightfully acknowledge our diverse history and the profound contributions of our forefathers to the nation’s development.
- However, our fragile beginnings have never been a clear path towards unity. Established in December 2024, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission represents a courageous and necessary step in our national journey.
- To collectively move forward, we must address and reconcile the pain of our past with compassion and courage.
- This requires us to acknowledge the historical grievances that have long simmered beneath the surface of our society and create a safe space where every voice can be heard.
National Security Strategy
- At the core of our National Security Strategy (NSS) is the fundamental belief that a secure nation is built upon a cohesive By recognising that modern security is multidimensional and deeply interconnected with the wellbeing of our people, we embrace the need to foster a culture of dialogue, mutual respect and trust as the primary shield against instability.
- Building on this understanding, the NSS emphasises inclusive governance, equitable opportunities and sustained trust between communities and the state. It recognises that when people feel heard, respected and fairly treated, societies are more resilient to negative fragmentation, misinformation and instability.
- By aligning security policy with social and economic wellbeing, the NSS seeks to address the root causes of insecurity rather than its symptoms.
- This focus on social cohesion naturally leads to a broader emphasis on unity. Strong social bonds, shared values and a sense of common purpose reinforce national resilience and collective confidence in times of uncertainty.
- By nurturing cohesion across communities, the NSS lays the groundwork for unity as both a societal strength and a strategic asset, providing a firm foundation for a stable, secure and inclusive nation.
- Our unified efforts are crucial to the success of comprehensive nation building, as the work of reconciliation and development requires the active and meaningful participation of every sector, every individual and every voice of our society.
- Working in silos is a thing of the past. We must remain grounded in the spirit of Solesolevaki, where our collective strength far exceeds our individual efforts. In working together, our strengths are amplified, allowing us to bridge historical divides and address the root causes of social fragmentation.
- Let me reiterate that our strength has been and will always be in our diversity, our unity and our shared commitment to the common good of our great nation.
Closing Remarks
- In closing, I urge you all to take advantage of this opportunity before us to engage in open, honest and constructive dialogue.
- Let us use today’s conference to move beyond our differences and identify and capitalise on common ground that will allow us to weave a stronger social fabric for our nation- ensuring that elements of the “Ocean of Peace” initiatives begin with the unity and trust we build in this room today.
- I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous support from our Development Partners such as the United Nations Development Program and other critical institutions and faith-based organisations that make vital contributions to the underlying stability and resilience of our nation, providing the essential framework required to achieve our shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future for all Fijians.
- It is through your continued partnership and shared commitment to our national vision, we are empowered to navigate these unprecedented times with confidence, knowing that our collective strength is our greatest asset.
- By aligning our resources and expertise, we are not only addressing the immediate and present challenges of today, but also laying the necessary foundation for a more stable and inclusive Fiji – one that can withstand the pressures of global uncertainty and stand strong in the values of inclusivity and justice that define the Mana of our people and our collective identity as a Pacific nation.
- I wish you all a fruitful and productive conference.
- Vinaka vakalevu
- May God bless you all and may God bless Fiji.
