Fiji and UNFPA Work to Address HIV, Youth and Climate Resilience

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka received a courtesy call from the Director and Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pacific Island Countries, Ms. Bidisha Pillai, to strengthen cooperation in priority areas.

Ms. Pillai was accompanied by the UNFPA International Operations Manager Ms. Farida Tambun and Programme Analyst Mr. Apolosi Vosanibola.

The discussions highlighted the urgency for collaboration with UNFPA to protect vulnerable groups and communities across Fiji in addressing the social and public health challenges.

It also reaffirmed the importance of embedding gender-responsive disaster risk reduction into Fiji’s resilience agenda. Hon. Ditoka highlighted Fiji’s determination to advance the Gender Action Plan under the Sendai Framework, while Ms. Pillai confirmed UNFPA’s commitment to ensuring that women and girls remain central to preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

Hon. Ditoka acknowledged the UNFPA for its ongoing collaboration with Fiji through various programmes.

Ms. Pillai also confirmed the organisation’s readiness to strengthen HIV prevention initiatives and scale up programmes that build youth resilience.

With Fiji preparing to host the Pre-COP meeting in October, both sides agreed to use the platform to elevate Pacific priorities, strengthen climate advocacy, and place women and girls at the centre of adaptation strategies. They also recognised the opportunity to reinforce Fiji’s regional leadership through its “Ocean of Peace” declaration.

The meeting concluded with a clear commitment to deepen the Fiji–UNFPA partnership in the months ahead, reflecting UNFPA’s continued support for Fiji at a critical time for the nation and the wider Pacific.