The Fiji Government and the UAE Red Crescent Authority signed a Phase 2 Cooperation Agreement on the sidelines of the World Government Summit 2026 in Dubai today, advancing their partnership to strengthen education resilience in Fiji through the construction of teachers’ quarters at cyclone-resilient secondary schools.
The Agreement was signed by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Risk Management Hon. Mosese Bulitavu on behalf of the Government of Fiji, and His Excellency Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the UAE Red Crescent Authority.
Signing on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Hon. Bulitavu expressed Fiji’s deep appreciation for the UAE Red Crescent Authority’s continued partnership and unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. He acknowledged the Authority’s long-standing humanitarian leadership since its establishment in 1983 and its meaningful contributions to Fiji’s post-disaster recovery efforts.
Following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston, the UAE Red Crescent played a pivotal role in rebuilding and strengthening Fiji’s education infrastructure through the construction of three cyclone-resilient secondary schools, namely Ratu Simione Matanitabua College in Namosi, Lautoka Methodist College, and the relocated Sigatoka Methodist College. Officially inaugurated in June 2022, the schools were constructed at a total cost of FJD $11.3 million and currently serve an estimated 3,000 students annually.
The newly signed Agreement marks Phase 2 of the Rebuilding Programme, under which the UAE Red Crescent Authority will fully fund the construction of teachers’ quarters at all three schools. This initiative aims to improve teacher welfare, strengthen staff retention in rural and maritime communities, and enhance the long-term sustainability and quality of education delivery.
The signing of the Agreement during the World Government Summit 2026 highlights the strong alignment between Fiji–UAE cooperation and the Summit’s focus on innovative governance, resilience, and international collaboration, translating global commitments into tangible development outcomes for climate-vulnerable communities.
Minister Bulitavu conveyed the sincere gratitude of the Government and people of Fiji to the UAE Red Crescent Authority and reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to further strengthening this partnership in future phases of cooperation.