The newly appointed Director for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pacific, Ms. Bidisha Pillai, visited Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics, Professor Biman Prasad, at Ro Lalabalavu House in Suva this morning.

During the visit, Professor Prasad extended a warm welcome to Ms. Pillai and acknowledged the long-standing partnership between Fiji and UNFPA, particularly in advancing key initiatives such as reproductive health, gender equality, and strategic population development.

He expressed appreciation for the agency’s consistent support in these areas.

A significant topic of discussion was the formulation of Fiji’s National Population Policy (NPP), a critical initiative currently being supported by UNFPA.

Professor Prasad highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that the government’s commitment to data-driven, inclusive planning is vital to shaping the future of Fiji’s development.

The meeting also focused on the broader scope of UNFPA’s contributions to health services, youth empowerment, and community development in Fiji.

In line with the government’s new National Development Plan 2025–2029 and Vision 2050, the discussions reinforced the shared goal of ensuring that the well-being of the Fijian people remains at the heart of all national development efforts.

Ms. Pillai reaffirmed UNFPA’s dedication to working alongside Fiji, reinforcing their ongoing efforts under the UNFPA Pacific Multi-Country Programme and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

Both parties expressed their eagerness to continue their collaboration, advancing shared goals for a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for Fiji.