Fiji is set to host the 5th edition of the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group (PIPG) Conference next year. The announcement was made by the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, at the conclusion of the 4th PIPG Conference held in Koror, Palau.
The news was positively received by all members of the PIPG. Looking ahead to future collaboration among legislative branches in the Pacific, a Working Group has been established. This group includes representatives from French Polynesia, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Palau, and Fiji, and is tasked with evaluating the options put forth by the PIPG Secretariat.
The Working Group will convene later this month to consult with members and will provide a report for approval by the end of 2024. This will be formalized at the next Conference in Fiji.
Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, highlighted that this year’s meeting was productive, addressing key issues such as economic, food, and health security, along with gender-based violence and drug-related challenges in the region. “Fiji made significant contributions, and it was rewarding to hear about best practices and legislative changes not only in Fiji but across other Pacific Island nations,” he stated.
Seruiratu emphasized the importance of participating in the Parliamentary Working Group as a resolution from this meeting. He expressed optimism about the future of the PIPG and its connection to the Pacific Islands Forum and other organizations.
The meeting saw representation from several parliaments including Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Niue, Palau, Rapa Nui, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Wallis and Futuna.
Additionally, the Ngibtal Declaration on ‘Human Security in the Pacific Islands’ was unanimously adopted, and Fiji is eager to host the next PIPG Conference, scheduled for August 25 to 29, 2025.