iTaukei Affairs and Peace Corps sign new partnership deal to strengthen community work

The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the US Peace Corps Fiji Office have officially strengthened their long-standing partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, marking a significant milestone in community development and cross-cultural cooperation.

Speaking at the event, iTaukei Affairs Permanent Secretary Jone Navakamocea expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed collaboration, describing the occasion as momentous for both institutions.

Navakamocea highlighted the enduring relationship between Fiji and the Peace Corps, which first established operations in the country in 1967, where Peace Corps volunteers have contributed across sectors such as education, health, environmental conservation, and community resilience.

He says these initiatives support Fiji’s national development goals and align with global priorities including the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on poverty reduction, quality education, climate action, and improved health outcomes.

Navakamocea further emphasised the importance of people-to-people diplomacy, saying the partnership is grounded in personal connections, cultural understanding, and mutual respect.

Peace Corps Country Director Charles Enciso echoed the significance of the collaboration, acknowledging the years of work that led to the finalisation of the MOU.

Enciso praised the Ministry for its openness, cultural leadership and collaborative spirit, noting that the MOU reflects shared values and a united vision for supporting iTaukei communities.