Fiji will host the 5th Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group (PIPG) Conference in 2025, as announced by Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu during the 4th PIPG conference in Koror, Palau. A working group composed of representatives from French Polynesia, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Palau, and Fiji has been tasked with reviewing options proposed by the PIPG secretariat.
This group is set to meet later this month and will consult with PIPG members before presenting a report for approval by the end of 2024, which will be formalized at the upcoming conference in Fiji.
Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu highlighted the success of this year’s meeting, emphasizing discussions on critical issues such as economic security, food security, health security, gender-based violence, and drug problems in the region. He noted that Fiji made significant contributions, and it was beneficial to learn about the legislative changes and best practices among Pacific Island nations.
Seruiratu expressed eagerness to be involved in the Parliamentary Working Group created as a resolution from this meeting, aimed at strengthening the PIPG’s connections with the Pacific Islands Forum and other organizations.
This year’s participants included representatives from the Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Niue, Palau, Rapa Nui, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Wallis and Futuna.