PM Rabuka Opens Inaugural Veimataki Leadership Series

Prime Minister 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, is aimed at strengthening leadership capacity and ensuring valuable institutional knowledge and experience are passed on to future generations.

Speaking at the opening, Rabuka said statecraft goes beyond the responsibility of governing and requires effective leadership in both Fiji’s domestic affairs and its engagement with the international community.

“Experience is a national asset,” Rabuka said.

The inaugural session brought together permanent secretaries, heads of the disciplined forces and senior civil servants, providing an opportunity for senior leaders to share their experiences and reflect on the responsibilities that come with public service.

Rabuka said the Veimataki Leadership Series could help preserve institutional knowledge while contributing to the development of a distinctly Fijian approach to statecraft and diplomacy.

He said the concept of Veimataki reflects values of trust, reciprocity, stewardship and integrity, which should not only be viewed as cultural values but also as principles guiding how Government engages with communities and represents Fiji internationally.

The Prime Minister also stressed that statecraft is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

He said every government ministry and institution contributes to Fiji’s standing and reputation through the work it undertakes.

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

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

Rabuka also reminded senior leaders that they are custodians of Fiji’s public institutions and have a responsibility to protect and strengthen them for future generations.

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

The inaugural Veimataki Leadership Series is expected to provide a platform for leadership development within Fiji’s public service while helping ensure institutional knowledge and experience are passed on to the next generation of leaders.