The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) has convened for its biannual forum at the Vale ni Bose in Suva, bringing together traditional leaders from across Fiji and Rotuma. This significant gathering focuses on crucial issues such as cultural preservation, community resilience, and the evolving role of indigenous leadership in the country’s development.
Scheduled for two days, today and Thursday, this meeting marks the GCC’s first session of the year, following their previous meeting in November 2025. As the paramount custodians of iTaukei cultural heritage and traditional authority, the council is set to evaluate the progress of its sub-committees and establish strategic priorities moving forward.
Leaders will receive updates on essential areas, including education and cultural revitalization, community resilience, and stakeholder engagement. At the last forum, attention was directed towards enhancing resilience at the village level, urging communities to allocate development funds for sustainable social and economic initiatives. This focus on empowerment and sustainability is expected to remain a central theme as leaders assess implementation efforts and seek additional measures to support rural communities.
The Council has also expanded its outreach beyond customary affairs. Earlier this month, GCC Chairperson Ratu Viliame Seruvakula emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with church leaders and other stakeholders to combat rising social issues, particularly the increasing impact of illicit drugs in communities.
As the discussions progress at Vale ni Bose, chiefs aim to strengthen indigenous heritage, promote community wellbeing, and contribute positively to Fiji’s broader development agenda. This commitment to combining traditional leadership with modern governance perspectives highlights a hopeful path towards a more integrated and resilient future for all Fijians.