Fiji has unveiled a new National Security Strategy (NSS) for 2025–2029 as the government moves to confront an expanding range of threats — from climate change and cyberattacks to transnational crime and regional instability. Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sitiveni Rabuka launched the strategy today, describing it as a “national covenant” that redefines security as a people-centered project rather than solely a military or police function.
Rabuka said the existing security architecture suffers from weak coordination, fragmented agencies and a lack of a shared vision, leaving many citizens feeling excluded. The NSS aims to put people first by broadening the notion of security to include reliable access to food and shelter, protection from crime and drugs, and preparedness for climate-related disasters.
The strategy identifies seven priority areas:
– Modernising security institutions and improving governance
– Building intelligence capabilities
– Safeguarding maritime borders
– Combating transnational crime
– Strengthening cybersecurity
– Addressing the security impacts of climate change
– Promoting social unity and national cohesion
To improve coordination and oversight, the plan creates a Security Sector Reform and Governance Division within the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs and establishes a senior officials committee to align action across government. Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua noted the National Security Council currently lacks a legal foundation; the NSS proposes enshrining the council in law and granting it decision-making authority under the prime minister’s leadership. The strategy also includes a Women, Peace and Security Action Plan to ensure women’s participation in shaping safety and resilience policies.
The NSS builds on findings from the National Security and Defence Review and reflects a whole-of-government approach that brings military, law enforcement and civilian agencies into a single framework. Officials have framed the strategy as complementary to broader national planning documents, linking security priorities with Fiji’s development and foreign policy objectives.
Commentary and explanation
– Giving the National Security Council a legal basis can clarify roles and responsibilities, reduce institutional overlap and speed decision-making during crises. It also creates a formal mechanism for democratic oversight if paired with transparency and parliamentary reporting.
– Including climate resilience, maritime security and cyber defence recognizes the non-traditional and transnational nature of many current threats facing Pacific states and aligns Fiji’s planning with emerging global security practice.
– The Women, Peace and Security Action Plan signals a commitment to inclusive policymaking; evidence from other countries shows that involving women in security planning improves community-level prevention and recovery outcomes.
Practical considerations
– Implementation will require sustained funding, training and institutional capacity-building. Success will depend on clear timelines, measurable indicators, and regular public reporting to build trust.
– Effective whole-of-government coordination typically needs strong information-sharing protocols and joint planning exercises between civilian and defence agencies.
– Civil society and community engagement will be important to ensure the strategy translates into visible improvements in everyday safety and resilience.
Short summary
Fiji’s 2025–2029 National Security Strategy reframes national security as people-centered and multi-dimensional, targeting seven priorities from cyber defence and maritime security to climate resilience and social unity. The plan creates a new governance division, seeks to give the National Security Council legal standing, and introduces a Women, Peace and Security Action Plan as part of a whole-of-government effort to improve coordination and public trust.
Hopeful outlook
By explicitly linking security to social welfare, climate readiness and inclusive governance, the NSS offers a practical pathway for Fiji to strengthen resilience while preserving democratic oversight and civil rights. If implemented with transparent accountability and broad community engagement, the strategy could deepen public trust in institutions and build a safer, more cohesive Fiji for the long term.
Leave a comment