The decisions of Cabinet include the following:
Fiji Education Commission
Cabinet has endorsed the appointment of Commissioners of the Fiji Education Commission.
The Education Commission will review and consider the recent development outcomes from the education summit and make recommendations for improvements in the quality of teaching and leadership of our school system, and the curriculum to meet the needs of the labour market.
The Commission will also be responsible for:
(i) examining the whole education system with reference to the roles of government, non-government organisations, tertiary institutions, unions, faith-based organisations and development partners;
(ii) assessing the current structure, resources, and resourcing of education from pre-school to tertiary institutions, including non-formal, technical and vocational training; and
(iii) providing recommendations based on the reports on the best way forward for the education sector.
Formulation of a National Population Policy
Cabinet endorsed the formulation of a National Population Policy.
The policy is expected to determine the principles, objectives and policies adopted by Government in regard to population issues.
A National Policy Population Steering Committee will be established, comprising representatives from relevant Government ministries, UNFPA and other relevant organisations.
The Steering Committee will be chaired by the Chief Executive of the Fiji Bureau of Statistics.
National Security and Defence Review Report
Cabinet endorsed the National Security and Defence Review (NSDR) Final Report.
The NSDR is led by an Independent Review Lead, Mr James Sanday, with support from an Editorial Board. The Editorial Board consisted of Professor Satish Chand, Assistant Professor Ana Rokomokoti and Associate Professor Shailendra Singh.
The NSDR Report was developed following extensive consultations with over 50 stakeholders across government, the community and civil society.
The Review Team will release a public version of the Final Report and hold a public validation workshop by the end of October 2024.
An inter-agency taskforce led by the Ministry of Home Affairs & Immigration will begin drafting a National Security Strategy (NSS) for completion by December 2024. The NSS will take into account the findings and recommendations of the NSDR Final Report.
Fiji’s Membership to the Global Biofuels Alliance
Cabinet endorsed Fiji’s membership to the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Fiji will now join 25 countries and 12 international organisations as founding members of the Global Biofuels Alliance.
The Global Biofuels Alliance is aimed at facilitating cooperation and intensifying the use of sustainable biofuels globally.
The formation of the Global Biofuels Alliance is an outcome of the India G20 Presidency in February 2023.
Memorandum of Cooperation Between the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan
Cabinet endorsed the execution of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC), between the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport (Ministry) of the Republic of Fiji and the Ministry of Lands, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan.
The MOC will support Government’s efforts in promoting and accelerating optimal and equal dissemination of water supply and sewerage management in Fiji.
Through the MOC, the Ministry will have access to relevant experience and technologies that contributed to the achievement of high water and sewer coverage rates and sustainable water supply and sewerage management in Japan.
MLIT will also be conducting a field study in Fiji with the aim to develop or improve the water supply and/or sewerage management projects(s) in the country.
Fiji’s Preparations for COP29
Cabinet received an update on the Fiji delegation’s preparations for COP29.
Since initial approval in September, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has been working with relevant Ministries and stakeholders to ensure robust and comprehensive preparations in the lead up to COP29.
A technical working group has been convened to coordinate on key priority areas including climate finance, loss and damage, mitigation, adaptation, and oceans, among others.
Led by DPM Hon. Biman Prasad, the delegation will head to Baku, Azerbaijan in November for COP29 to negotiate on priority issues identified for Fiji.
Letter of Agreement between the United Nations Development Programme and Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on the Implementation of Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific Project
Cabinet endorsed Phase 2 of the partnership between the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific (Gov4Res) Project.
The Pacific (Gov4Res) Project launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is an initiative aimed at strengthening governance frameworks in Pacific governments, with a particular focus on resilience.
Phase 2 builds off Phase 1 with an enhanced focus on the capacity of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Phase 2 of the project will run until 2026.
