Fiji launches first National Security Strategy to tackle modern threats

Fijians are set to benefit from stronger protection, greater resilience, and a more inclusive approach to national security under the country’s first-ever National Security Strategy.

While speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stressed that the people-centred strategy aims to tackle modern threats already affecting everyday life — including climate change, cyber attacks, organised crime, economic shocks, and health emergencies.

He says the strategy puts people first by focusing on dignity, justice, and resilience — recognising that true security means having a safe home, access to food, protection from crime, and freedom from fear.

He says the strategy fulfils a promise made by the Coalition Government — to listen to the people, assess Fiji’s defence and security landscape, and take meaningful action.

Rabuka says the plan is the result of nearly two years of consultations with communities, experts and stakeholders across the country.

He noted that a key milestone was reached in October last year, when an independent review exposed major gaps in coordination and a lack of public trust in the security sector.

He confirmed that all recommendations from that review have been adopted into the strategy.

The Prime Minister says the plan outlines three major goals - to protect Fiji and its people, support national development through a stable environment, and promote peace and security in the Pacific region.

He says to drive implementation, a new Security Sector Reform and Governance Division will be set up under the Ministry of Defence and Veteran’s Affairs.

Rabuka says seven core priorities have been identified, including modernising security institutions, strengthening maritime protection, combating drugs and transnational crime, defending digital infrastructure, addressing climate change, and promoting unity and social cohesion.

He emphasised that success will require a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, supported by better coordination through a new Senior Officials Committee on National Security, as well as reforms to the National Security Council.

Rabuka says human rights will remain at the heart of the strategy, with a new Women, Peace and Security Action Plan ensuring women play a key role in shaping decisions.

He emphasised Fiji’s commitment to regional partnerships grounded in mutual respect and sovereignty, while highlighting the nation's strength as an independent country.