Fiji Launches Capacity-Building Workshop to Advance National Diaspora Policy

The Government of Fiji, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), officially opened a two-day Stakeholders Capacity Building Workshop at Yatu Lau Lagoon Resort, Pacific Harbour from 24-25 March 2026.

The workshop brought together participants from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) and key national stakeholders, aimed at building institutional capacity to harness the development potential of Fiji’s diaspora communities across the globe.

Fiji’s Roving Ambassador to Pacific Island Countries and Territories, Ratu William Toganivalu opened the workshop by underscoring the strategic importance of diaspora communities to Fiji’s national development and economic growth. Further highlighting that the policy is a fundamental part of Government’s commitment to ensuring that the interest of our nationals living abroad are integrated in Governments’ political and policy decision making processes.

He also highlighted the significance of the Dublin Declaration, adopted in 2022, which affirmed that diaspora communities are essential partners in sustainable development, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding. He also stressed the need for well-negotiated labour mobility pathways to address exploitation risks facing Fijian communities abroad.

IOM Head of Programme Support Unit, Ms. Etsuko Inoue highlighted that evolving global understanding of diaspora communities which is no longer seen merely as migrants living abroad, but as strategic partners in national development who contribute through remittances, investment, skills transfer, innovation, and cultural exchange. She emphasized that the central challenge before governments is not whether diaspora communities’ matter, but how to engage them in a structured, inclusive, and sustainable manner.

Ms. Inoue recognised Fiji as the first country in the Pacific to serve as a champion country for the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, commending Fiji’s leadership as an important example for the broader region. On behalf of IOM, she reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Fiji through policy development, institutional capacity building, and regional knowledge exchange.

Fiji is among the 35 countries that endorsed the Dublin Declaration in 2022, a landmark outcome of the Global Diaspora Summit co-organized by IOM and the Government of Ireland, and participated in the launch of the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance in 2024. These commitments reflect Fiji’s readiness to strengthen structured partnerships with its diaspora communities and align with the broader Global Compact for Migration and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Over the two days, participants will explore practical tools including diaspora mapping, data collection, digital engagement platforms, and partnership frameworks. The draft National Diaspora Policy will be reviewed and validated by participants, drawing on international best practices.