After 50 years of Fiji’s independence, it is time to reflect and take stock of our country’s development and at the same time, recalibrate and strengthen our relationships of both our bilateral and multilateral partners and the international community as well. Fiji has emerged as an important player in the Pacific since its independence and in its short 50 years journey, it has grown to a status as the ‘Hub of the Pacific’. For this reason, most of the International, Regional and major

Financial institutions are based in Fiji to provide support to the other 13 Pacific Island nations. Even after 50 years of independence, Fiji is still considered as a young growing nation, but its pace of socio-economic development is no short of a marvel. Especially considering its vulnerability to natural disasters and isolation and despite its many challenges, Fiji has elevated its position from a LDC to a developing nation status. On the world stage, Fiji has taken lead roles in all major UN Peace keeping initiatives and been the voice of the vulnerable small island states on the Climate Change front with the role as chair of COP23. It has also chaired the UNGA and still has a seat on the UN Human Rights Council. Fiji has won the first ever Olympic Gold medal for the 7s rugby at the last Olympic meet as well.