Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Biman Prasad, opened the Consultation Reflection on the National Strategic Development Plan for the Culture Sector at Yadua Bay Resort, emphasising the importance of preserving Fiji’s cultural heritage in national development (19.03.25).
“This consultation is crucial as we implement the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050. Culture must be integrated into policies across education, health, economic development, and international cooperation for sustainable growth,” DPM Prasad stated.
He highlighted Fiji’s multicultural society, noting that the rich cultural diversity, traditions, and customs of various ethnic groups play a vital role in uniting the nation.
“Our multiculturalism is our strength. Each ethnic group contributes to Fiji’s unique cultural identity, and it is this diversity that binds us together as one nation,” Professor Prasad said.
The Deputy Prime Minister urged participants to align cultural initiatives with government plans, stressing that projects without detailed implementation plans may not be prioritised in the upcoming national budget.
“The Cultural Mapping Programme has been key in preserving intangible heritage, and we remain committed to supporting such efforts,” he added, also calling for the review of outdated cultural laws.
DPM Prasad also addressed the challenges posed by climate change on cultural sites, advocating for the revival of traditional eco-friendly practices and highlighting the importance of legislation to protect traditional knowledge from exploitation.
“Cultural tourism is vital for our economy, but we must balance it with heritage preservation,” he noted.
The consultation, involving key stakeholders, aims to refine strategies for integrating culture into national policies, ensuring Fiji’s heritage is safeguarded for future generations.