DECISIONS MADE AT THE 18TH CABINET MEETING HELD ON 22 OCTOBER 2024

The Peoples’ Coalition Cabinet held its 18th meeting of 2024 on Tuesday 22 October 2024.
 
The decisions of Cabinet include the following:
 
1. Review Of Mahogany Industry Development Act 2010 and Mahogany Industry (Licensing And Branding) Act 2011
Cabinet approved the review of the Mahogany Industry Development Act 2010 (MIDA 2010) and the Mahogany Industry (Licensing and Branding) Act 2011 (MILBA 2011).
 
The MIDA 2010 establishes the Mahogany Industry Council and the MILBA 2011 stipulates the licensing and branding aspects of Fiji Mahogany.
 
The Mahogany Industry Taskforce Review Committee established in March 2024 recommended the review of legislation to address issues faced by mahogany stakeholders.
 
The review of MIDA 2010 and MILBA 2011 is expected to examine the role played by the Mahogany Industry Council as well as to allow for further expansion of the mahogany industry and the recognition of the quality of Fiji’s hardwood products both locally and internationally.
 
2. Health National Adaptation Plan
Cabinet endorsed the Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP).
 
The HNAP is the Fiji health sector’s response to the health impacts of climate change.
 
It articulates the strategic approach on adaptation and mitigation actions for the health sector in Fiji and will guide progress on climate change and health in Fiji until 2030.
 
The HNAP will be launched at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
 
3. Fiji’s State Report for the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review
Cabinet has approved the submission of Fiji's State Report to the Universal Working Group Secretariat.
 
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process conducted by the UPR Working Group is a member state driven process where every country’s human rights record is reviewed every four to five years.
 
Fiji was last reviewed by the UPR Working Group in November 2019.

The fourth review of Fiji under the UPR mechanism will take place during the 48th session of the UPR Working Group in January 2025.
 
The Attorney – General is expected to head the Fiji delegation to Geneva, Switzerland to lead the interactive dialogue on Fiji’s State Report at the 48th session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group in January 2025.
 
4. Fiji to host the World Health Organisation Western Pacific Region’s 76th Regional Committee Meeting
Cabinet agreed that Fiji host the World Health Organisation Western Pacific Region’s 76th Regional Committee Meeting (WHO RCM) in 2025.
 
The Regional Committee for the Western Pacific is the World Health Organisation’s governing body in the region. It comprises representatives from the region’s thirty-seven Member States and areas, as well as Associate Members.
 
The Regional Committee meets every year to formulate policies, provide oversight for regional programmes, hear progress reports, and consider, revise and endorse new initiatives.
 
It adopts resolutions and makes decisions that guide the work of the Regional Office and country offices for the coming year.
 
This will be the first occasion where an independent Pacific Island country will be hosting a WHO RCM.
 
5. Fiji to host the Pacific Tourism Organisation 2024 Board and Council of Tourism Ministers Meetings
 
Cabinet agreed that Fiji host the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Council of Tourism Ministers (Council) Meeting and Board of Directors (Board) Meeting in November 2024.
 
The SPTO is the organisation mandated to represent tourism in the region. It has 20 Government members and about 200 private sector members.
 
Fiji is a founding member and host country to the SPTO Secretariat.