The newly appointed Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pacific, Ms. Bidisha Pillai, recently met with Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, at Ro Lalabalavu House in Suva. This significant meeting reinforces the strong partnership between Fiji and the UNFPA, particularly in advancing reproductive health, gender equality, and strategic population development initiatives.
Professor Prasad expressed a heartfelt welcome to Ms. Pillai and acknowledged the invaluable support UNFPA has extended to Fiji over the years. Central to their discussions was the ongoing formulation of Fiji’s National Population Policy (NPP), a crucial initiative aimed at addressing demographic changes and aligning population trends with the nation’s development objectives. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive planning and data-driven decision-making as essential for the country’s future growth.
Additionally, the meeting addressed UNFPA’s broader contributions to health services, youth empowerment, and community development in Fiji. Both parties reaffirmed their shared vision of prioritizing the well-being of Fijians in national development efforts. With the government’s new National Development Plan from 2025 to 2029 and its Vision 2050, this collaboration is seen as a pathway to a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for Fiji.
Ms. Pillai reiterated UNFPA’s commitment to supporting Fiji under the UNFPA Pacific Multi-Country Programme and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Their eagerness to continue working together was palpable, marking a hopeful outlook for ongoing collaboration that aims not only to meet the needs of today but also to secure a thriving future for the population of Fiji.
This partnership illustrates a concerted effort to address demographic challenges through strategic policies, paving the way for sustainable growth and enhanced quality of life for all Fijians.
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