Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is engaged in discussions with current donors of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) and has appointed the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs as the Interim Secretary-General.
Rabuka expressed satisfaction with the current interim arrangement, managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which ensures operational independence alongside a strong two-tier accountability and oversight process. He noted that some Pacific Island nations have expressed support for maintaining the PIDF, emphasizing that, regardless of its name, the organization serves their interests.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that PIDF has faced management challenges, which the Ministry has addressed through effective internal controls, oversight, and enhanced governance and accountability structures. As the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rabuka emphasized that PIDF is under review and is moving towards becoming an integrated entity that prioritizes project delivery across various sectors and regions.
Established in 2013, PIDF reflects the foreign policy direction of the previous government. Rabuka explained that the creation of PIDF was part of a strategy to address the void left when Fiji’s partners held the government accountable for violations of democratic principles and the rule of law.
In 2015, PIDF was recognized as an international organization and was granted Observer status at the United Nations General Assembly in 2016.