PNG Praises Fiji's Leadership on Labour Issues

Papua New Guinea has praised Fiji for taking a leading role in bringing Pacific nations together to discuss labour and employment issues affecting the region.

Speaking during the inaugural Pacific Labour Ministers Meeting in Nadi, Papua New Guinea's Acting Minister for Labour and Employment and Minister for Public Service, Hon. Joseph Sungi, described the gathering as "very fruitful" and said it reflected the spirit of unity that has long existed among Pacific nations.

"It is good to see that Fiji is taking the lead and providing the leadership for us," Hon. Sungi said.

He also thanked Fiji for creating a platform where Pacific countries could come together to discuss common challenges and opportunities facing workers, employers and governments across the region.

Hon. Sungi acknowledged the leadership of Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Hon. Agni Deo Singh and Permanent Secretary Jone Maritino Nemani for their role in bringing the historic meeting together.

"The conference itself is so encouraging and well organised by Fiji and the Minister of Labour here and the Government of Fiji. We would like to thank everyone that is involved in organising this inaugural Pacific Labour Ministers Meeting," he said.

One of the key outcomes highlighted by Hon. Sungi was growing support for a stronger and more independent Pacific voice within the International Labour Organization (ILO).

He said Pacific countries should be recognised for their unique circumstances rather than being grouped under the broader Asia-Pacific region.

"The main resolution that we passed and the memorandum that we agreed on was for us to stand together as Pacific away from Asia," Hon. Sungi said.

"We should be recognised not just as part of Asia. It is good to have our own representation and be recognised as Pacific instead of being under Asia-Pacific."

Hon. Sungi said the Pacific has its own cultures, challenges and priorities and that a united regional voice would help ensure those issues are heard at the international level.

The Pacific Labour Ministers Meeting was the first of its kind to be held in the region. The initiative, championed by Fiji's Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, brought together ministers, senior government officials, labour experts, regional organisations and international partners to discuss the future of work in the Pacific.

Discussions focused on labour mobility, worker protection, skills development, employment opportunities and strengthening the Pacific's representation in international labour discussions.

The meeting also reinforced the importance of Pacific countries working together to address shared challenges and ensure the region's voice is heard on issues that affect workers and communities across the Blue Pacific.

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