Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently in discussions with existing donors of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) and has designated the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs as the Interim Secretary-General.
Rabuka expressed satisfaction with the ongoing interim management arrangement, which is being handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring operational independence while implementing robust oversight through a dual accountability framework.
He noted that some Pacific Island nations have advocated for the continuation of the PIDF, emphasizing that irrespective of its name, the organization serves their interests.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that PIDF had faced various management challenges, which the Ministry has addressed by implementing effective internal controls, oversight, and establishing a better governance and accountability structure.
As the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rabuka indicated that PIDF is currently undergoing a review to transition into an integrated entity aimed at facilitating project delivery across multiple sectors and regions.
Established in 2013, the PIDF was aligned with the foreign policy objectives of the former government. Rabuka highlighted that the formation of PIDF was a strategic move to address the gap left when Fiji’s international partners held the government accountable for violations of democratic principles and the rules-based order foundational to society.
Rabuka also pointed out that PIDF gained recognition as an international organization in 2015 and was admitted as an official Observer to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2016.