Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has inaugurated the inaugural Pacific Regional Tripartite Conference in Nadi, marking the 50th anniversary of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) presence in the Pacific. The event gathers influential government leaders, employers, workers, and developmental partners from across the region to discuss pivotal issues such as employment cooperation, labor mobility, and climate resilience.
In his address, Rabuka referred to the gathering as a “historic milestone,” symbolizing both a new era of regional cooperation alongside the continuation of a strong partnership with the ILO. He underscored the Pacific’s vulnerabilities related to climate change and labor challenges, emphasizing the importance of secure employment for regional stability and sustainable development. “Peace cannot thrive on empty stomachs or broken dreams,” he remarked, highlighting the crucial role of employment security.
Among the key achievements at the conference is the inauguration of the Regional Permanent Secretary Employment Talanoa Forum, along with its Technical Working Group. This initiative is designed to transform dialogue into concrete policies, ensuring regular meetings and accountability. Discussions are targeting green growth strategies, regional labor mobility frameworks, technology-driven opportunities for the youth, and growth inclusive of women, persons with disabilities, and indigenous populations.
Prime Minister Rabuka also shared Fiji’s vision for an “Ocean of Peace,” focused on employment security, climate-resilient livelihoods, and innovation that respects Pacific values. The conference, featuring ministers, policymakers, employers, workers, and development agencies, continues in Nadi.
This conference fits into a broader series of dialogues in the Pacific focusing on labor, social protection, and resilient economic growth. Prior events like the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting have highlighted mutual cooperation as key to enhancing worker wellbeing, skill development, and ensuring social security.
The conference embodies a collective commitment to adapt labor policies to the evolving climate and global economy while maintaining fairness and fostering inclusive growth. By centering on tripartite collaboration, the forum is instrumental in aligning national efforts with ILO standards, strengthening resilience, and promoting shared prosperity throughout Pacific nations.
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