PRIME MINISTER HON. SITIVENI RABUKA'S RESPONSE - PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE 2026 SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

Honorable Speaker Sir,
Honorable Ministers,
Honorable Leader of Opposition, and Assistant Ministers,
Honorable Members of Parliament,
Ladies & Gentlemen
Ni sa bula vina’a.

I extend warm greetings to our Traditional Chiefs, Religious and Communities Leaders at home and abroad who are following these proceedings through the Parliament Channel and other electronic platforms. I thank you for your continued interest and engagement in the Leadership of our nation.
 
I also acknowledge the Traditional Leaders and custodians of the Land of Suva; ‘Ki Nadonumai, vei kemuni na Turaga na Tui Suva, and their chiefs, past, present and emerging, and offer our respects and gratitude for their custodianship of this land since it became the seat of our then Colonial, and now National Capital since 1882.’
 
Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to commend the Motion that Parliament thanks His Excellency the President for his most Gracious Address delivered at the Opening of this Session of Parliament, on Monday 16th February, 2026.
 
The Address reflects not only the programme of Government, but the aspirations of our people — for unity, stability, prosperity, and above all, a mature democracy, and as he said (and I quote); “This address reflects the aspirations of our people, and the collective responsibility of the Arms of Government, to serve the National Interest, and work towards the continued wellbeing of our fellow citizens.”

Deepening Democracy in 2026
Mr Speaker Sir, His Excellency reminded us that unity, long-term planning and shared responsibility must guide our nation’s journey.
 
Unity is not merely the absence of disagreement. It is about the greater good. It is trust, loyalty, solidarity, and respect. It is the discipline to protect our diversity as strength, choosing common purpose over self-interest, cooperation over individualism, deciding to help the weak even when you have the means to go on your own.
 
Democracy is not sustained by elections alone. It is sustained by the belief that in freedom, in the integrity of the person, the best of humanity is unleashed. Democracy is sustained by leadership that listens, institutions that are grounded in accountability, laws that uphold dignity, policies that are morally, ethically and legally right. It is reflected in fairness, impartiality in the application of law, for accountability, for nurturing and sustaining trust.
 
We talk about many things that are encapsulated in our aspirations for quality standard of living chief of which are welfare, economy and security. These are key areas and, yes, they’re important.

But we need to look for what is vital to the existence of Fiji’s decency as a nation and its principled place in the world.
 
Mr Speaker, we cannot and must not lose sight of democracy. We need to cherish and value it. It is in this system of government, that our existence as a nation and people rests. The rights and dignity of our people, the freedom to choose, to express ourselves and move about are only possible in an environment of Democracy. To the indigenous Fijians and Rotumans, their rights to their status and resources, the way they want to evolve their traditional systems, structures and cultures are possible within that democracy. To every community and person, democracy upholds their rights and upholds their integrity.

Democracy thrives where governance is accountable. That is the standard we set for ourselves, a standard we must uphold.

National Development Plan: Empowering Through Unity
Mr Speaker Sir, the vision articulated by His Excellency is firmly embedded in our National Development Plan 2025–2029, aligned to Vision 2050, and guided by the theme: “Empowering the People of Fiji through Unity.”
 
The Plan provides a clear national roadmap shaped through consultations across all divisions including Rotuma. It recognises the realities we face — climate vulnerability, global economic uncertainty, and domestic pressures. Our responses require for unity of purpose.
 
The Plan is anchored on three strategic pillars:
Economic Resilience — to drive sustainable growth, productivity, job creation, and shock-readiness;
People Empowerment — to ensure development translates into better services, stronger human capital, safer communities, and expanded opportunity; and
Good Governance — to uphold transparency, integrity, accountability, and public trust.
 
Government is equally mindful that sustaining our national development ambitions requires a step-change in our economic performance. While Fiji has maintained a steady growth trajectory, our strategic objective is mobilising Fiji to move from a low-income nation to a high-income Nation status – by lifting the national growth target to 6 percent annual growth by 2050, from the 3.4 percent we now have.
 
Achieving this higher growth pathway will provide a renewed impetus to our development plans, expand employment opportunities, and strengthen the fiscal space needed to invest in infrastructure, social services and climate resilience. To realise this ambition, Government will pursue a coordinated strategy focused on productivity-led growth, targeted investment in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing and the digital economy, improved ease of doing business, and stronger public–private partnerships.
 
Equally important will be investments in human capital, innovation, and modern infrastructure that enable our people and enterprises to compete in an increasingly dynamic global economy.

Through disciplined policy implementation and whole-of-government coordination, we are confident that Fiji can accelerate growth in a way that is inclusive, sustainable and resilient, delivering tangible benefits for all our citizens.  These targets and objectives were discussed very seriously with the three World Bank Group Regional Vice Presidents who visited us last week.
 
It is not simply a development framework. It is also the democratic framework for progress. Because sustainable development requires public confidence, institutional credibility, and collective effort. Mr Speaker, we’re moving in the right direction, but we need to do more. All our work from here forward is towards that goal. Together we can.
 
Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Economic Growth
Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge the recent visit to Fiji by the United States Deputy Secretary of State, which marked an important milestone in the strengthening partnership between Fiji and the United States.
 
The visit reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing cooperation in economic development, democratic governance, and regional stability, while providing an opportunity for both Governments to deepen dialogue on practical initiatives that deliver tangible outcomes for our people and for the wider Pacific region.

Fiji acknowledges with appreciation the support of the United States through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which presents a significant opportunity to strengthen Fiji–United States relations in a very real and tangible way. The Government has earmarked the MCC grant for transformational investments and mega projects aimed at strengthening Fiji’s economic structure over the long term, including infrastructure and strategic development priorities that will enhance productivity, resilience, and inclusive growth.

During the Deputy Secretary’s visit, both Governments also signed Memoranda of Understanding to advance this initiative and establish a clear framework for cooperation in implementing the programme.
 
In the same vein, and in line with recommendations from the World Bank that I mentioned, the Government is progressing reforms to improve the ease of doing business in Fiji to boost Foreign Direct Investment and support private sector growth. These efforts, together with strengthened international partnerships and targeted development investments, will help advance our national ambition to accelerate economic growth, strengthen resilience, and create greater opportunities for all Fijians as we pursue a higher and more sustainable growth trajectory.
 
The agencies involved in the business approval process will, as a matter of priority and urgency, streamline this process to remove bottlenecks and duplications and/or put in place necessary components of the system to facilitate seamless and efficient clearance of business registration and start-ups.”
 
Strategic Role of the Office of the Prime Minister
Mr Speaker Sir, at the centre of this national reform and democratic renewal agenda stands the Office of the Prime Minister.
 
The Office is the strategic nerve centre of Government — responsible for strengthening policy development, ensuring coherence across Ministries, and aligning national implementation with the priorities articulated in the National Development Plan and Vision 2050.
 
The Office plays a central role in improving the quality of public policy. Through policy analysis, regulatory review, performance monitoring, and whole-of-government coordination mechanisms. It ensures that Government decisions are evidence-based, fiscally responsible, socially inclusive, and developmentally sustainable.
 
The Office provides cross-sectoral oversight of national reforms, integrates Cabinet processes, monitors strategic projects, and ensures that Ministries work in synergy. In a modern democracy, fragmentation weakens governance; coordination is everything.
 
The Office also carries a unifying national responsibility — to promote inclusive and sustainable development as a catalyst for growth, unity, and better governance across our multiethnic society.
 
Fiji’s strength lies in its diversity — our iTaukei and Rotuman communities, including our Melanesian kinship ties; our Vasu iTaukei; and the Banaban communities of Rabi and Kioa, Indo-Fijians, Chinese, Pacific Islanders and everyone – Fijians and visitors - that call Fiji home. Good governance in Fiji must be responsive to this rich composition. It must ensure that development is equitable, culturally respectful, and nationally unifying.
 
Through strengthened policy integration and inclusive planning frameworks, the Office of the Prime Minister will continue to advance governance systems that recognise identity, protect rights, and promote shared prosperity — ensuring that communities feel valued.
 
Inclusive sustainable development is not only a social objective; it is an economic strategy. Stability, investor confidence, and long-term growth are built upon unity, fairness, and public trust.
 
These are important also in view of our place in the region. We have a responsibility to our Pacific family. Our stewardship role is critical for regional unity and cohesion.
 
Principles Guiding Government Policy
Mr Speaker Sir, all Government policies and programmes will be anchored on five core principles:
Inclusion – ensuring no community is left behind;
 
Diversity – recognising Fiji’s multicultural identity as a national strength;
 
Gender Mainstreaming – embedding equity and opportunity across all sectors;
 
Good Governance – transparency, accountability and rule of law; and
 
Improved Service Delivery – measurable impact in the lives of our people.
 
These are operational standards that will guide planning, budgeting, implementation and evaluation across Ministries.
 
Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Civil Service Reform
Mr Speaker Sir, a democracy is only as effective as the institutions that serve it. That is why the reform of the Civil Service is central to Government’s agenda.
 
As previously announced, the Civil Service is undergoing a comprehensive Functional Review. This review assesses:
Capability across people, processes and systems;
The rationalisation of mandates and structures; and
Efficiency, coordination and performance gaps.
 
The objective is clear — to build a professional, agile and future-ready public service. This structural transformation is designed to strengthen governance and scale up performance.
 
Phased Implementation and Core Agencies
The review is undertaken through a phased approach, involving:
The Office of the Prime Minister;
The Ministry of Finance;
The Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics;
The Ministry of Civil Service; and
The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management.
 
The inclusion of Rural Development reflects Government’s intention to introduce a modern rural development system — responsive to communities, economically enabling, that adapts to changing climate and market realities.
 
Performance Management and Accountability
Mr Speaker Sir, accountability is the backbone of good governance.
 
By 30 September 2026, all Permanent Secretaries will be subject to stringent performance evaluation. Each Permanent Secretary will sign a Performance Agreement.
 
Evaluation will ensure alignment with national priorities, measurable outcomes, transparent review processes, and improved service delivery.
 
This framework will ensure:
Alignment with national priorities;
Clear performance expectations;
Measurable outcomes;
Transparent review processes.
This is about raising standards and ensuring that public resources translate into tangible results for citizens.
 
Modern Workforce Reforms & National Human Capital Reform
Mr Speaker Sir, Fiji’s greatest assets are its people.
With a youthful labour force comprising nearly 70 per cent young Fijians, we hold enormous demographic potential. Yet youth unemployment, outward migration of skilled workers, and productivity challenges require decisive action.
 
Government has therefore commenced formulation of a 5-Year National Strategic Human Resource Plan. This forward-looking framework will align human capital development with national priorities and labour market realities.
 
It will emphasise workforce planning, data-driven forecasting, collaboration between Government, industry and training institutions, and measurable performance indicators. It will be inclusive, gender-responsive, climate-aware, and grounded in good governance principles.
 
Human capital development is the most strategic investment in our democracy and long-term prosperity. A skilled, adaptable, and future-ready workforce strengthens economic competitiveness, social cohesion, and national resilience.
 
Mr Speaker Sir, to build a modern public service, we must also modernise the way we work. By the end of this year:
Flexible working hours will be formally introduced across the Civil Service, improving productivity and work-life balance;
Strategic Workforce Plans will be developed for the Civil Service as a whole.
These workforce plans will ensure the right skills are in place to meet national priorities — today and in the future.
 
Leadership and Artificial Intelligence
Mr Speaker Sir, technology is reshaping governance globally. His Excellency’s reference to Artificial Intelligence reflects the seriousness of this transformation.
 
We must exercise caution — but we must also be prepared to harness innovation responsibly. By September 2026, the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service (FLIPS) will introduce AI-focused training programmes to enhance data-driven decision-making, efficiency and service delivery.
 
AI will support — not replace — human judgement and ethical leadership. A modern democracy must be digitally capable, while firmly grounded in constitutional values.
 
Strategic National Projects: Resilience and Opportunity
Mr Speaker Sir, Government is translating policy into action.

The Nadi Flood Alleviation Project represents our most significant climate adaptation investment. Through river upgrades, drainage systems and integrated watershed management, we are protecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. This is a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive resilience-building — safeguarding national confidence and economic stability.
 
In agriculture, the establishment of a Regional Training Centre and Demonstration Farm in Ra will advance climate-smart practices, innovation and value addition. It will strengthen food security, empower rural communities, and expand opportunity for farmers and youths.
 
These initiatives demonstrate that unity and democracy are reinforced when development is visible, inclusive and responsive to community needs.
 
Economic Stability and Inclusive Growth
Mr Speaker Sir, economic resilience and democratic governance are mutually reinforcing. Government will continue fiscal prudence, strengthen revenue integrity and ensure value for money.
 
Growth must be inclusive across sugar reform, agriculture, fisheries, tourism diversification, manufacturing, digital transformation and governance of public enterprises.
 
Empowering Youth & Advancing National Development Through Sport and Recognition
Mr Speaker, although I have assumed the Cabinet role of Minister responsible for Youth and Sports, I will allow Hon Saukuru and Hon Aliki Bia to address this Honourable House on matters dear to him and which he has been working diligently for the past three years, as he still has a keen interest to be associated with the young people he has worked with, and has not lost his dedication to them and to the programmes for their development.

Conclusion: A Stronger Democratic Future
Mr Speaker Sir, there is much work ahead. But the Government is moving forward and in the right direction — strategically, deliberately, guided by principles.
 
We are uplifting democracy not only through laws, but through systems, capable institutions, accountable leadership, empowered citizens, and inclusive development. We are strengthening governance not only through oversight, but through performance.
 
We are strengthening unity not only through words, but through inclusive policy choices that protect diversity, promote fairness, and expand opportunity.
 
As we look to the years ahead, let us recommit ourselves to:
Service above self.
Unity above division.
Nation above politics.
Democracy above expediency.

On behalf of the Government, I thank His Excellency for the Address and commend it to this Honourable House.
 
Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir.