Fiji’s Bold Move: Training Future Traditional Leaders

The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) in Fiji is making significant strides in preparing the next generation of traditional leaders through the establishment of the Vanua Leadership Diploma, which is co-funded by the council. Chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula highlighted that this initiative fulfills one of the two key priorities identified since the GCC’s re-establishment in 2024, aiming to ensure that leadership within Fiji’s chiefly systems continues to thrive.

Ratu Viliame emphasized the importance of developing not only current leaders but also those who will take on leadership roles in the future. “To move forward, we need to cultivate leaders who are prepared to carry on the mantle of traditional governance,” he said. This new program aligns with ongoing efforts to restore and strengthen the indigenous leadership framework, which recently saw an increase in filled chiefly titles—up to approximately 85% of the 6209 titles by February 2024.

Anticipating a focus on developing future leaders, the Vanua Leadership Diploma will commence with a pilot project, training 30 young men and women in formal leadership skills tailored for traditional governance. Ratu Viliame stated that leadership is inherently connected to one’s lineage; hence this education is vital for preparing youth for their inevitable roles.

The council will soon initiate outreach and training programs across the country, fostering a culture of leadership that resonates with the insights from other recent developments in Fiji. For instance, Fiji’s newly inaugurated President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, has made calls for greater responsibility and engagement among the chiefs, advocating for a robust, self-reliant leadership that sets a positive example for communities.

This collaborative approach between traditional leadership and educational institutions reflects a hopeful vision for the future of governance in Fiji. By investing in the development of traditional leaders, the GCC not only honors its heritage but also embraces the challenges of contemporary society, ensuring that Fijian communities are equipped with knowledgeable and responsible leaders. This initiative signifies a promising step towards revitalizing indigenous governance and leadership in Fiji.