Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Sakiusa Tubuna, emphasized the need for innovative and collaborative thinking among government planners and statisticians during the inauguration of the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics Planning Workshop. The event, held this morning, aims to align the Ministry’s initiatives with Fiji’s long-term development goals.
Addressing key officials from the Ministry and the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Tubuna highlighted the significance of the two-day workshop in navigating the complexities that characterize today’s corporate, technological, and political landscapes. He urged attendees to fully engage with the workshop activities and to adopt a forward-thinking and collaborative mindset.
“In-depth planning is essential,” Mr. Tubuna stated, explaining that careful preparation enhances our ability to foresee challenges, optimize resource allocation, and adapt to an ever-changing environment. He underscored that effective planning creates clarity and focus by setting a unified vision and SMART goals, helping eliminate confusion and maximizing departmental efficiency. This, he noted, also establishes a foundation for informed decision-making that can prevent reactive or ad hoc responses.
He elaborated on how structured planning can streamline processes, reduce duplication, and ensure resources are allocated where they will have the most significant impact. Risk management was another critical area highlighted, with Mr. Tubuna stating that effective planning strengthens the ability to identify potential risks and to develop contingency plans to address these challenges proactively.
The Assistant Minister reminded participants of the government’s commitment to five key priorities over the next five years, which the Ministry helped design, and encouraged them to see these priorities as a personal calling to contribute to the enhancement of government services and national progress. He also noted the importance of adaptability amidst change, insisting on the necessity for an agile workforce that can pivot when circumstances shift.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Tubuna encouraged everyone at the workshop to participate actively in discussions, emphasizing that the well-being and development of the country heavily relies on their contributions. He officially opened the workshop, wishing all participants success as they embark on shaping the Ministry’s agenda for the future.
This workshop marks a constructive initiative aimed at improving governance and public service efficiency, fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment that promises a brighter future for the nation.