Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently engaged in discussions with the existing donors of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) and has appointed the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs as the Interim Secretary-General.
Rabuka expressed contentment with the current interim arrangement, where the PIDF is being managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He emphasized that this setup allows for operational independence alongside robust oversight through a dual accountability process.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that several Pacific Island nations have expressed the desire to retain the PIDF, highlighting that its functions align with their interests, regardless of the organization’s name.
He also pointed out that PIDF has faced some management challenges, which the Ministry has addressed by implementing effective internal controls and enhancing governance structures for better accountability.
As the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rabuka noted that the PIDF is undergoing a review and is evolving into a more cohesive entity that aims to efficiently deliver projects across various sectors and regions.
Established in 2013, the PIDF reflected the foreign policy direction of the previous administration. Rabuka explained that the PIDF was created to address a gap that arose when Fiji’s partners held the government accountable for violations of democratic norms and the principles that underpin society.
The PIDF gained international recognition in 2015 and became an official Observer at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2016.