Over a hundred students, staff, and stakeholders filled the Postgraduate Lecture Theatre at The University of the South Pacific (USP) last night to listen and participate in a robust panel discussion with some of Fiji’s key leaders.
The panel discussion, organised by USP’s Graduate School of Business, brought together Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance & National Planning, Honourable Professor Biman Prasad; Fiji’s Opposition Member, Honourable Jone Usamate; Chair of Investment Fiji, Jenny Seeto; Executive Director of Dialogue Fiji, Nilesh Lal; Vice-President of Conservation International’s Pacific Islands and Oceans Program, Susana Tuisese; and Managing Director of Citywide Assessor Limited Pacific Operations, Paulo Ralulu.
With a focus on exploring pathways for sustainable development in Fiji, the discussion centred around the National Development Plan (NDP) 2025-2029 and Vision 2050. Panelists highlighted the importance of proper policy implementation to boost economic resilience, empower people, and promote good governance.
In his opening remarks, USP’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gurmeet Singh, emphasised the significance of open dialogue among leaders and the inclusion of students, youth, and ordinary citizens in spaces that help shape the direction and future of the country.
Hon. Prasad stressed that Fiji’s National Development Plan was developed through extensive consultations with over 21,000 people across Fiji’s four divisions, including women and youth. He explained that the NDP mainstreams a series of cross-cutting priorities, such as the government’s role in fostering growth, empowering communities, and aligning Fiji’s development efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Deputy Prime Minister also shared that achieving a holistic and balanced development approach requires significant commitments to political stability, gender equity, and climate change adaptation—factors essential in reinforcing the country’s commitment to building a stable and inclusive future.
“The NDP will tackle the long-standing challenges that have held us back, such as the low rate of productivity, infrastructure deficits, lack of investor and business confidence, ongoing skills challenges, and low economic growth,” said Hon. Prasad.
Other panelists echoed similar sentiments. Jenny Seeto, Chair of Investment Fiji, spotlighted the need for Fiji to create an environment that attracts investors and specialised experts to contribute to the country’s holistic development.
Hon. Usamate, in his contribution, emphasised the need to elevate the standard of Fiji’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet the growing workforce demand. He also highlighted the importance of addressing Fiji’s brain drain issue.
“The loss of skilled workers to overseas opportunities has been a significant issue. While they are moving abroad for better opportunities, we in Fiji must ensure there are mechanisms and incentives in place to retain our skilled workforce,” he added.
The panel discussion provided a valuable opportunity for those in attendance to ask questions, critique Fiji’s National Development Plan, engage with leaders, raise concerns, and share ideas to support the sustainable development of the country.
