Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka Tuesday launched Fiji’s first National Security Strategy, outlining a vision that puts the people of Fiji at the heart of the nation’s security priorities.
“This Strategy puts our people first. It is based on a broader understanding of what security means to us as Fijians. It recognises that security is not only about arms and uniforms—but about dignity, justice, and resilience,” the Prime Minister said.
He explained that security must be understood in the everyday realities of people’s lives.
“Security is having a roof over our heads and food on the table. Security is knowing your children are safe from crime and drugs. Security is withstanding a cyclone. It is being safe from the impacts of climate change. It is resisting foreign interference. It is being able to speak your truth, to live free from fear, and to be heard.”
At the core of the Strategy are three key aims:
1. Protect Fiji and its people
2. Progress national development through a stable environment
3. Promote a peaceful and secure Pacific region
“To do this, we will adopt a policy of ‘Constructive Engagement.’ We will engage constructively—at home and abroad. We will work with our communities, and with our international partners—but always on our terms, as equals,” Prime Minister Rabuka said.
“This is not a paper strategy. This is an action plan—a blueprint for action,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated the creation of a Security Sector Reform and Governance Division under the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs to lead and coordinate implementation, focusing on seven priorities:
* Modernising security institutions
*Building a national intelligence capacity
*Strengthening maritime protection
*Combating drugs and transnational crime
*Defending Fiji’s digital space
*Addressing the impacts of climate change
*Promoting unity and social cohesion
“Progress will require legal reform, institutional review, and policy renewal. It will also require the participation of every Fijian—from civil servants to chiefs, from security officers to civil society,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that human rights will remain at the core of Fiji’s security policies.
“Let me be very clear: “na dodonu ni tamata” -the rights of our people—are sacred. Security must serve the people, not control them. And never silence them.”
For the first time, Fiji will also launch a Women, Peace and Security Action Plan.
“We will ensure that women are not only protected—but are included in shaping decisions that impact our nation’s safety,” the Prime Minister said.
“Fiji is a sovereign nation—but we are not alone,” he said.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Fiji’s National Security Strategy will complement the Foreign Policy White Paper, deepening partnerships regionally and globally.
“Fiji will always prioritise our ‘family first’ Pacific regionalism. But let us be clear—Fiji will always stand on its own feet. Partnerships will be built on mutual respect, shared goals, and sovereignty.”
“My fellow Fijians, this Strategy is not the work of one ministry, nor one Government. It is a national covenant,” the Prime Minister said.
The Head of Government is urging all sectors of society to contribute:
“To our community leaders—guide us with wisdom. To our young people—progress and innovate. To our faith communities—stand with us in peace. To our civil servants—serve with pride. To our security forces—defend with humility and integrity. Let this Strategy be our shared guide. Let it reflect our shared values. And let it carry us forward—not divided, but united.”
The event was attended by senior government officials, members of the disciplined forces, and members of civil society.
