FONO 2025 kicked off today in Suva, bringing together Heads of Public Service from sixteen Pacific Island nations for an important week-long dialogue focused on governance, leadership, and the advancement of a future-ready public sector. The event sees participation from delegations representing Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, among others, with observers from Australia and New Zealand joining the conversation.
During the opening address, the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, highlighted the unique challenges each Pacific nation encounters in governance. He stressed the crucial need for unity and collaborative problem-solving, attributing these as core strengths of the Blue Pacific, and emphasized that collective efforts are essential for building resilient institutions throughout the region.
Echoing this perspective, Fiji Public Service Commission Chairman Luke Rokovada stated that this year’s Fono aligns closely with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. His comments centered on the enduring vision for enhanced cooperation, accountability, and a dynamic public sector that can swiftly respond to the evolving demands of the region.
Tania Ott, Deputy Commissioner of the Public Service Fale, urged leaders to take advantage of the Fono to reconnect and bolster their capabilities. She pointed out that shared learning and cooperation are fundamental to enhancing public service delivery across Pacific communities.
Hosted by the Fiji Public Service Commission, FONO 2025 runs from November 17 to 20. Over these four days, discussions will encompass a variety of topics including digital transformation, ethical governance, leadership development, and the creation of inclusive workplaces. The interactive sessions are designed to encourage open dialogue and evidence-based discussions with the goal of strengthening public institutions in the region.
The inauguration of FONO 2025 signifies a significant progression in the Pacific’s collective mission to cultivate a united and resilient public service, ready to tackle the challenges of future generations. With the groundwork laid for collaboration and shared innovation, this event holds significant promise for the future of governance in the Pacific region.