The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration held a two-day Maritime Security Committee conference aimed at enhancing safety and security at Fiji’s borders. This event, supported by the United Kingdom government and UNDP, gathered key stakeholders from various maritime security sectors and academics from King’s College London to discuss how to protect Fiji’s seaports and the broader Blue Pacific region.
The conference emphasized the unique challenges associated with safeguarding Fiji’s extensive oceanic territory while also celebrating the rich maritime heritage that has influenced the identity of Fiji and the Pacific for thousands of years. It highlighted the importance of collaboration between Kings College and the Maritime Security Committee to strengthen interagency maritime policies, legislative authority, and strategic insights necessary for the protection of the Blue Pacific through formal partnerships.
During the opening of the conference, Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua proposed creating an Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States, abbreviated as “OASIS.” He explained that this alliance would serve as a formal platform for addressing various security challenges, including fighting transnational organized crime, responding to climate change, and preventing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Tikoduadua stated, “In a world where Pacific Island States are often overshadowed, we must stand together. Only together, and with our partners, can we raise our voices and secure our shared future. OASIS would serve as a beacon of this unity—a proactive step towards safeguarding our maritime areas from the growing external pressures.”
The workshop aimed to foster collaboration among agencies and explore opportunities to sustain and protect maritime areas for both current and future generations.
British High Commissioner to Fiji, Dr. Brian Jones, expressed that maritime security encompasses not just the surface of the sea but also the spaces and cables that connect the seabed. He noted that the complexities of the environment complicate their roles and emphasized the importance of deep determination and high ambition in their efforts.