Fiji has made history by becoming the first Pacific Island country to host a Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) design competition, emphasizing its commitment to intertwining art, technology, and clean energy in the face of climate change. The LAGI 2025 Fiji Exhibition was inaugurated in Suva by Tourism Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, who highlighted the event’s significance in placing Fiji and the broader Pacific region at the forefront of global sustainability and innovation discussions.
Minister Gavoka described the exhibition as a profound statement of leadership, demonstrating that climate solutions can be both functional and culturally significant. He pointed out that Fiji’s advancements in sustainable tourism and renewable energy showcase how even small island nations can spearhead efforts in sustainability.
Key initiatives highlighted by Gavoka include marine conservation efforts under the Blue Town commitments and renewable energy projects across resorts and rural communities, all rooted in national policies aimed at fostering inclusive growth and low-emission development. The collaborative effort also includes contributions from international designers and local institutions, particularly the people of Marou Village in the Yasawas.
The exhibition received over 200 submissions from 45 countries and 36 universities, illustrating a growing global interest in Fiji’s cultural and climate leadership. Out of these submissions, two winning designs are set for construction in Marou Village, aimed at providing clean energy, safe water, and communal gathering spaces for storytelling.
Gavoka expressed optimism, stating that the finished project will stand as a testament to what can be achieved through imagination and concrete action. He believes that by leveraging culture, design, and renewable energy, Fiji can pave the way for a future that is not only beautiful and resilient but just as well.
This initiative aligns with Fiji’s broader commitment to climate action and sustainability, as previously noted by Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau in discussions during COP29 in Azerbaijan. Tuisawau has emphasized the importance of transitioning to renewable energy, with Fiji aiming to derive over 90% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Such commitments position Fiji as a beacon of hope and innovation for other nations striving towards a sustainable future amid the ongoing climate crisis.