The Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, has established a steering committee involving various government and non-government organisations to develop a National Population Policy.
This led to a two-day consultation held in Suva this week where key stakeholders highlighted issues of national interest such as infrastructure in maritime zones, access to markets, rural development, empowering youth, access to education, employment opportunities, access to better health facilities, and environmental concerns.
The robust, wide-ranging discussion covered socio-economic, environmental, and population-related aspects.
The FBoS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kemueli Naiqama, said the way forward entails formulating a comprehensive policy incorporating these aspects which will then be presented to Parliament.
“This consultation is important to the Government and the people of Fiji as it is key to improving the quality of life and community well-being.”
“Once the National Population Policy is in Parliament and it gets passed, then the Government will prioritise areas requiring intervention and adequate budget provisions,” Mr. Naiqama added.
Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development & Statistics Permanent Secretary, Mr. Shiri Gounder, in closing the forum, said the Fiji Government has been strongly advocating for a consultative and inclusive style of policy-making.
“It is through this kind of multi-stakeholder collaboration that we can harness a wealth of perspectives and insights, which are essential for creating a policy that is not only comprehensive but also reflective of the needs and aspirations of our people as espoused in the new National Development Plan,” Mr. Gounder said.
“Population dynamics affect every aspect of our nation—whether its economic growth, employment, social security systems, health, education, or environmental sustainability—and by addressing these issues through a cohesive policy framework, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring a better future for our nation.”
“Let us carry the momentum into the next phase of our work, which includes the drafting, continuous refinements, and finalisation of the policy,” he urged.