Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko is calling on Parliament to ask tough questions about whether it is doing enough to help Fiji achieve its Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking at the opening of the Inter-Parliamentary Union SDGs Self-Assessment Seminar for the Parliament of Fiji, Jitoko says the seminar is not just about recognising the progress already made, but also about taking an honest look at where Parliament stands and where it needs to improve.
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He says Members of Parliament must ask themselves important and challenging questions, including whether the Sustainable Development Goals are being systematically integrated into all aspects of parliamentary work, how effective Parliament is in reviewing policies and budgets through the lens of the SDGs, and whether enough is being done to engage with the people they represent.
Jitoko says the self-assessment is a practical tool designed to help Parliament reflect honestly, identify gaps, and agree on clear actions that will strengthen its role in advancing sustainable development in Fiji.
He adds that this approach will help Parliament better position itself to support long-term national development goals and deliver outcomes that directly benefit the people of Fiji.
Meanwhile, Jitoko says Fiji continues to lead globally in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, as Parliament builds on its historic 2017 self-assessment.
He says Fiji was the first Parliament in the world to carry out such an assessment, and the current seminar is about strengthening that foundation.
Jitoko highlights that Parliament plays a critical role in supporting development through law-making, approving budgets, and holding Government accountable.
He says the institution is closely aligned with Sustainable Development Goals Goal 16, which focuses on strong, transparent, and inclusive governance.
He adds that since 2017, Parliament has taken practical steps to improve its contribution, including introducing a guidance note in 2019 to help Standing Committees better integrate the SDGs into their work.
Jitoko also points to efforts to become more environmentally responsible, including reducing single-use plastics and increasing the use of digital documents to cut down on paper waste.
He says these initiatives support climate action and environmental protection.
The Speaker also highlights improvements in accessibility, including ramps and handrails at the Parliamentary Complex, making it easier for people with disabilities to participate.
He adds that initiatives such as the Youth and Women’s Mock Parliaments are helping to promote inclusivity and encourage greater public participation in democracy.
Jitoko says Parliament will continue to strengthen its systems and capacity to ensure it plays its part in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Meanwhile, Jeanette Emberson says the seminar has reaffirmed Parliament’s central role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Emberson says the seminar ensures that the aspirations of the Fijian people are translated into tangible outcomes to improve lives, protect the environment, and strengthen democracy.
She says the discussions will serve as a guiding compass and challenge Members of Parliament to think critically about how, as a collective institution, they can strengthen their role in advancing the SDGs.
Emberson adds that the seminar has reinforced that Parliament is not only a custodian of governance and accountability, but also a driver of inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.
She says the insights shared will help shape a practical action plan to ensure Parliament’s work continues to align with the aspirations of the Fijian people and the global 2030 Agenda.
Members of Parliament attended the one-day seminar, which was opened by Speaker Jitoko.
Officials from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, and UNESCAP delivered presentations, including an introduction by consultants on the SDGs self-assessment for the Fijian Parliament.
Consultations will continue this week with the six Standing Committees, Executive Management, caucus members, and senior parliamentary staff.
The one-day seminar and week-long consultations are supported by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji.
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