PM Rabuka Opens Inaugural Veimataki Leadership Series

Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka has called for stronger leadership, sound judgement and a renewed commitment to Fiji’s national interest as he officially opened the inaugural Veimataki Leadership Series Dialogue.

The initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service, aims to strengthen leadership capacity while preserving and transferring valuable institutional knowledge and experience to future generations.

In his official address, Prime Minister Rabuka said statecraft was about more than governing, stressing the importance of effective leadership in both Fiji’s domestic and international affairs.

“Experience is a national asset,” he told those in attendance.

The session was attended by permanent secretaries, heads of the disciplined forces and senior civil servants.

The Prime Minister said the Veimataki Leadership Series would provide an important platform to preserve institutional knowledge and develop a distinctly Fijian approach to statecraft and diplomacy.

He highlighted Veimataki as embodying trust, reciprocity, stewardship and integrity, describing these not only as cultural values but also as strategic values that should guide how the government engages communities and represents Fiji internationally.

The Prime Minister further reminded senior public servants that statecraft was not the responsibility of the foreign affairs ministry alone, as every ministry and institution contributes to Fiji’s standing and reputation through its work.

“Every senior public servant is therefore part of Fiji’s statecraft.”

He urged participants to use the leadership series for honest reflection and respectful discussion while building relationships, listening carefully and considering the long-term consequences of decisions.

Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka reminded leaders of their responsibility as custodians of the nation’s institutions.

“Power is temporary. Positions are temporary. Institutions endure. The nation endures.”

Read the Hon. Prime Minister’s speech on www.pmoffice.gov.fj.