Fiji has improved its ranking under the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) Human Development Index (HDI) which measures societal advancement in 169 countries.
The Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Jiko Luveni said that fact that Fiji has moved from 95 in 2005 to 86 in 2008 is a overall testimony to progress.
“The measurement of progress in human development is improved health, education and raising income,” she said.
Tonga is ranked 85th along with Solomon 123rd and Papua New Guinea ranked 137th.
Dr Luveni said Fiji has opportunities to further the societal advance through socioeconomic empowerment of women.
“The need to empower women economically for poverty alleviation is a cross cutting issue and is seen as one of the most critical challenge if human development is to be advanced.
“I urge all stakeholders – line ministries, development partners, civil societies, NGOs and individuals, to strengthen further our commitment to poverty reduction to ensure that we reach our targets in the Millennium Development Goals and the Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development,” Dr Luveni emphasized.