Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka with executives of the Pacific Partnership Programme after the opening ceremony in Suva on October 31.

SUVA – As Fiji approaches the 2023-2024 Cyclone Season, the Pacific Partnership Programme serves as a timely reminder of the vital role of cooperation in addressing the diverse challenges that confront Fiji and the Pacific.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka while officiating at the Pacific Partnership 2023 opening ceremony in Suva on October 31.

“These challenges range from disaster response and humanitarian aid to healthcare and education. Our region is renowned not only for its natural beauty, the vastness of its ocean spaces, and the peaceful serenity that its images conjure in our imagination but unfortunately, also for its vulnerability to natural disasters, the ever-present threat of climate change, and the pressing need to fortify our healthcare systems,” Hon. Ditoka said.

The Pacific Partnership is an annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission in the Pacific. It returns to Suva this week for its 18th year, focusing on enhancing disaster response capabilities and building international friendships.

Conducted at the invitation of Fiji, the Mission involves nearly 1500 personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States – encompassing various activities such as engineering, disaster response, public health, and outreach events.

While officiating at the ceremony today, Hon. Ditoka acknowledged the United States Navy and all partners for their unwavering support rendered towards Fiji in our work in the humanitarian space, especially through the Pacific Partnership Programme.

“The Pacific Partnership stands as a beacon of hope, symbolising our resilience. It embodies the values of compassion, solidarity, and the understanding that no single nation can tackle these challenges in isolation. In the face of adversity, our collective strength shines brightly. It is a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite our nations. It reflects our collective dedication to a common vision of a brighter, more secure future for all our citizens.”

“Our partnership with the United States through the US Navy, the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, and USAID epitomises our shared commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster response. It underscores our shared values aimed at improving the lives of our people, especially in times of crisis.”

Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka and New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji H.E. Charlotte Darlow with executives and personnel who are part of the Pacific Partnership Mission to Fiji in Suva last month.

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The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management is responsible for implementing development strategies that bring Fijians living in rural and maritime regions the same level of access to essential services and economic opportunities as anywhere else in the country. We coordinate and implement the Fiji Government’s rural and maritime development initiatives with a mission to empower Fiji’s rural sector. We also spearhead disaster risk reduction initiatives at national and sub-national level including disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. We have offices for each of Fiji’s 14 provinces including Rotuma, leading the Fijian Government’s rural development and disaster risk management operations.

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