Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently 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 satisfaction with the current interim setup, which is overseen by the Ministry while ensuring the independence of operations through a two-tier accountability and oversight framework.
He mentioned that several Pacific Island nations have voiced their support for maintaining PIDF, emphasizing that, irrespective of its name, the organization serves their interests effectively.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that PIDF has faced some management challenges, but these have been addressed by the Ministry through enhanced internal controls, oversight, and a more robust governance structure.
As Foreign Affairs Minister, Rabuka stated that PIDF is undergoing a review process to transition into a more integrated entity focused on delivering projects across various sectors and regions.
Established in 2013, PIDF’s formation aligned with the foreign policy of the previous government. Rabuka noted that PIDF was created to bridge the gap left when Fiji’s partners held the government accountable for its infringements on democratic principles and the rules-based order fundamental to society.
In 2015, PIDF was recognized as an international organization and became an official Observer at the United Nations General Assembly in 2016.