Fiji’s Traditional Chiefs Convene in Suva to Chart Culture, Community Resilience and Development

The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is holding its biannual forum at Vale ni Bose in Suva, gathering traditional leaders from Fiji and Rotuma to discuss significant topics such as cultural preservation, community resilience, and the evolving role of indigenous leadership in national development. This two-day meeting, taking place today and Thursday, marks the Council’s first sitting of the year following its last session in November 2025.

As the paramount guardian of iTaukei cultural heritage and traditional authority, the GCC aims to evaluate advancements made by its sub-committees and establish strategic priorities for the upcoming year. Key updates will be presented on essential portfolios that include education, cultural revitalization, community resilience, and stakeholder engagement.

During the previous forum, discussions focused on enhancing resilience at the village level, prompting communities to allocate development funds towards sustainable social and economic initiatives. This week’s gathering is set to continue this focus, with chiefs assessing the implementation of these efforts and identifying further actions to empower rural communities.

The Council is also expanding its outreach beyond customary affairs. Earlier this month, GCC Chairperson Ratu Viliame Seruvakula emphasized the significance of fostering collaboration between the Council, church leaders, and other stakeholders to tackle rising social challenges, such as the increasing impact of illicit drugs within communities.

The discussions this week will revisit educational strategies for the iTaukei people and explore methods to incorporate traditional leadership perspectives within modern governance frameworks. As deliberations unfold at Vale ni Bose, the chiefs are positioned to chart a path that enhances indigenous heritage, fortifies community wellbeing, and positively contributes to the broader development agenda of the nation. This event underscores the pivotal role traditional leadership plays in shaping a resilient and culturally rich future for Fiji.