Pacific leaders gather to boost public services

Pacific public service leaders met in Suva last week for Fono 2025, a four-day conference focused on fixing shared problems, improving leadership, and building stronger cooperation across the 'Blue Continent'.

The meeting brought together heads of public service from 16 countries and territories, along with observers from Australia and New Zealand.

The main message throughout the week was clear: Pacific nations need to work together more closely if they want public services that can keep up with rising pressures, from climate impacts to digital change.

Opening the conference, Fiji’s Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, stated that Pacific countries cannot deal with today’s challenges alone.

“The challenges we face individually may seem insurmountable, but when we come together to talanoa and confer, we realise we are not alone,” he told the gathering.

“Recognising our shared struggles eases the burden and strengthens our resolve.”

Fiji’s Minister, Filimoni Vosarogo, opens the conference, calling for deeper Pacific collaboration. Photo/Facebook/Fiji government

Leaders agreed that stronger regional ties, shared learning, and practical cooperation are now essential for improving public services that support Pacific communities.

Public Service Fale Deputy Commissioner Tania Ott says the conference has become an important space for leaders to learn from each other.

“The forum allows us to reflect, share experiences and build capability across the region,” she says.

Job evaluator Branka Farquharson conducts an induction training for Fiji's Permanent Secretaries and members of the Job Evaluation Leadership Team (JELT) in Suva. Photo/Facebook/Ministry of Civil Service, Fiji

Throughout the week, several countries shared reforms that drew strong interest from other delegates. The three most talked-about examples included:

• Fiji's Public Service Digital Learning Institute - participants toured Fiji’s new Learning Institute for Public Service, which focuses on digital training and leadership development. Officials say it is helping the workforce adapt to new tools such as e-government systems and artificial intelligence. A Fijian ministry representative says, “We want to build a public service that can respond quickly, and digital skills are central to that.”

• Sāmoa's Integrity and Ethical Leadership Programme - Sāmoa presented its work on rebuilding trust in government by strengthening ethical leadership standards. Delegates say Sāmoa’s approach could be useful across the Pacific, especially as countries face corruption risks and rapid political change. A Samoan official says, “People need to trust their public service. Integrity is not just a policy, it must be a culture.”

• Vanuatu's Community-Centred Disaster Response System - Vanuatu’s public service shared its model for community-based disaster coordination, which proved effective during recent cyclones. Leaders say this model shows how public services can better support villages and outer islands during emergencies. A Vanuatu representative says, “Local voices guide the response. It makes our system faster and more effective.”

Pacific public service leaders gather in Suva for Fono 2025, focused on strengthening leadership and regional cooperation. Photo/Facebook/Fiji government

Fono 2025 included leadership workshops, planning meetings, and discussions on key issues such as:

• governance and integrity

• digital transformation and artificial intelligence

• workforce planning

• regional leadership under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific

Heads of public service also met with officials from New Zealand and Australia to discuss shared challenges and future cooperation.

Throughout the sessions, many speakers stressed the need for the region to act together as public expectations grow.

Watch Ulualofaiga Mareko, a Pacific representative and union leader in Aotearoa's full interview on Pacific Mornings below.

Looking ahead

At the end of the week, leaders endorsed a set of shared commitments that will guide work in 2026, including improving training, supporting ethical leadership, and expanding regional collaboration through the Public Service Fale.

Fiji Public Service Commission chairman Luke Rokovada says the conference showed the best of Pacific partnership.

“Through open dialogue, evidence-informed discussion and practical collaboration, the Fono helps ensure our public services are equipped to meet the needs of our people and future generations,” he says.

The conference closed with a ceremony and gala dinner, with thanks to Fiji for hosting and to all participants for strengthening public service ties across the region.