Fiji will host the 5th Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group (PIPG) Conference in 2025. This announcement was made by Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu during the 4th PIPG conference held last week in Koror, Palau. A working group comprised of representatives from French Polynesia, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Palau, and Fiji has been tasked to evaluate options put forward by the PIPG secretariat.
The group is scheduled to convene later this month, after which it will consult with all PIPG members and report back for approval by the end of 2024. This plan will be officially ratified at the upcoming conference in Fiji.
Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu hailed this year’s conference as a success, noting that critical issues such as economic security, food security, health security, gender-based violence, and drug-related matters were thoroughly discussed. “Fiji made significant contributions, and it was beneficial to hear about the best practices and legislative changes not just in Fiji, but across other Pacific Island nations,” stated Mr. Seruiratu.
He also expressed eagerness to join the Parliamentary Working Group aimed at exploring the future of PIPG and its connection to the Pacific Islands Forum and other organizations, citing Fiji’s active role in advancing this initiative.
Representatives from various parliaments attended this year’s meeting, including those from Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Niue, Palau, Rapa Nui, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Wallis and Futuna.