Speaker Calls for Inclusive Governance and Community Empowerment at 153rd IPU Assembly

Arusha, Tanzania – The Speaker of the Fijian Parliament the Hon. Filimone Jitoko has called on parliaments worldwide to strengthen good governance by promoting inclusivity, building public trust and creating opportunities for all citizens, during the General Debate of the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania.

Addressing delegates under the theme, “Enhancing Good Governance and Empowering Communities through Inclusivity, Trust and Opportunities for All,” Hon. Jitoko emphasised that good governance is fundamentally about people and ensuring that citizens feel heard, represented and included in decisions affecting their lives.

“Good governance is reflected when all people, including young people, women, persons with disabilities and those in remote communities, are able to participate and be heard.”

“For Fiji, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), our responsibility is to ensure Parliament reaches all citizens. Through our committee system, communities, civil society and under-represented groups can contribute directly to the scrutiny of legislation and public policy, ensuring decisions are informed by the lived experiences of the people we serve,” Hon. Jitoko said.

Drawing on Fiji’ s Pacific traditions, the Speaker underscored the value of ‘Talanoa’ as a model for genuine engagement between institutions and citizens.

“Whilst technology can strengthen public engagement, it must remain inclusive and not create new barriers. But participation alone is not enough and public trust is equally essential!”

“Citizens have a right to transparency, accountability and integrity in public decision-making – these are fundamental requirements of democracy!”

Addressing the unique challenges facing SIDS, Hon. Jitoko highlighted the importance of community participation in climate change decision-making.

He referenced the Pre-COP31 meetings currently underway in Fiji and Tuvalu, which provide a platform for Pacific voices and priorities to be placed at the centre of global climate discussions.

“At a time when the world faces growing challenges, the role of Parliament has never been more critical. Our responsibility is not only to pass laws and hold governments to account, but also to listen to people, build trust and ensure that no voice is overlooked.

“The true measure of our success is not the number of speeches we deliver or resolutions we adopt. It is whether citizens can see their aspirations reflected in the work of their Parliament.”

The Hon. Speaker noted the shared values between Fiji and Tanzania, highlighting the Pacific tradition of inter-connectedness and Africa’ s philosophy of ‘Ubuntu’ as common expressions of respect, inclusion and collective responsibility.

In conclusion, Hon. Jitoko urged parliamentarians to continue building institutions that listen before they decide, act with transparency and accountability, and create opportunities for all citizens.

“That is how we strengthen good governance! That is how we empower communities! And that is how we honour the trust that our people have placed in us!”

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