Fijian Parliament champions inclusive governance and regional unity at 68th CPC

Speaker of the Fijian Parliament the Hon. Filimone Jitoko, reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to democratic values and global co-operation during his address at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), held under the theme, “The Commonwealth – A Global Partner.”

Hon. Jitoko outlined Fiji’s ongoing efforts in enhancing parliamentary processes and promoting democratic governance with the themes efficiency, effectiveness, and inclusivity –

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Through the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Fiji Group, Parliament has championed women’s political participation, notably through the 2024 Women’s Mock Parliament and a commemorative booklet aimed at inspiring future female leaders.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: The recent Fiji Youth Parliament brought together 57 young leaders to debate national issues, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, including the participation of youth with disabilities.

𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: Investments in ICT infrastructure and tools have enabled hybrid sittings, livestreaming via Parliament TV and social media, and the reintroduction of vernacular translations after 16 years—enhancing public access and engagement.

𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: The Fijian Parliament adopted the Fangatapu Declaration to promote a greener Parliament; strengthening the CWP Fiji Group to elevate women’s voices; and partnering with the Secretariat of the CPA, and the UNDP supported by the Governments of Australia, Japan and New Zealand, to build capacity, enhance outreach, and ensure inclusive legislative processes.

The Hon. Speaker also underscored the importance of regional co-operation, updating the Assembly on the successful hosting of the 5th Pacific Islands Parliaments Conference in August, which led to the establishment of the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (PIPA). He acknowledged the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Kingdom of Tonga FALE ALEA ‘O TONGA Hon. Lord Fakafanua, as PIPA’s inaugural Board Chair.

Reaffirming Fiji’s dedication to the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) and in the spirit of the Conference theme, the Hon. Speaker called for deeper Pacific-Caribbean solidarity and meaningful partnerships to advance sustainable development across Small Island Developing States.

In conclusion, the Hon. Speaker commemorated Fiji’s 55th Independence Day; a sovereign nation reaffirming its commitment to peace, progress, partnership and prosperity. He extended heartfelt wishes to all Fijians at home and around the world on this significant national occasion.