Speaker acknowledges commitment by donors during the launch of the FPSP Phase 3

The Fijian Parliament and the United Nations Development Programme (‘UNDP’) with support from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand launched the third phase of the Fiji Parliament Support Project (‘FPSP’).

During the launch at the Grand Pacific Hotel yesterday, the Speaker of Parliament H.E Hon. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau acknowledged the commitment, support and contribution of the donors into Phase 3 of the FPSP.

“Your generous support will help us accomplish our goal of institutional strengthening and continuing our work of enhancing parliamentary democracy in Fiji.”

H.E Hon. Nailatikau emphasized the outreach of this project and its impact in empowering Fijian citizens.

“The impact of your kind contribution towards Phase Three of the project goes beyond the institution of Parliament. It is also helping Fiji in its desire to be a nation of informed, inclusive and empowered citizens,” Hon. Ratu Epeli said.

The Speaker also highlighted the transformation and successful outcomes of the Fiji governance system since Phase 1 of the project.

“The support and contribution of our development partners have become important and was critical as we re-established parliamentary democracy in 2014.”

“The FPSP, through the stewardship of the UNDP has provided much needed technical assistance, capacity development and infrastructure to the Parliament, its staff and MPs that reflect international standards and best practices for a modern Parliament,” Hon. Ratu Epeli said.

The Resident Representative, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, Mr Levan Bouadze also mentioned the importance of this initiative not only in Fiji but the Pacific Region.

“As a result of this transformation and these initiatives, the Fijian Parliament has become a beacon of capacity building for many parliaments in the Pacific region. It is also globally recognised for its work on the SDGs, through forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s annual conferences,” said Mr Bouadze.

He said that the UNDP Pacific Office is assured that the Fijian Parliament will utilise the support to take its transformation to the next level in the next parliamentary cycle and phase of the project.

“Our conviction is grounded into the Fiji Parliaments’ commitment to become a modern and democratic parliament that is relevant to changing times. We have witnessed this commitment in a pronounced manner during the last two terms, but also very recently, during the last two years of the pandemic.”

“We are also thankful to the Governments of New Zealand and of Australia for funding the FPSP Phase 3. We look forward to continuing to work together to accompany the Fiji Parliament on its journey,” said Mr Bouadze.

Her Excellency the New Zealand High Commissioner, Charlotte Darlow and His Excellency the Australian High Commissioner, John Feakes had shown great support and  also mentioned the importance of the third phase of  this project in a Parliament setting.

“As Australians, Fijians, and others who support this effort, we all agree that strong and effective institutions are crucial to the success of our nations.  Our Parliamentary institutions are of particular importance, enabling the delivery of fundamental services including health and education and of key importance in current times – underpinning economic response and recovery by ensuring that resources are allocated accountably, effectively and transparently,” H.E John Feakes added.

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