Speaking during the launch of the Executive Public Leadership Course at Fiji National University's Nasinu Campus, Rabuka said Fiji is at an important stage in its development journey, with increasing opportunities as well as growing complexities.
He says there have been consistent calls for stronger leadership across public institutions, with a greater need for leaders who can deliver results, drive reform and remain accountable to the people they serve.
Insert: Rabuka on accountable leaders 17th June 26
Rabuka says governance must go beyond administration and be responsive, forward-looking and firmly anchored in the public interest.
The Prime Minister says Fiji also needs leaders who are collaborative, empowering and resilient, and capable of navigating uncertainty while advancing the country's vision of a stable, prosperous and free Fiji.
Professor Nabobo-Baba echoed those sentiments, saying strong communities, institutions and sustainable development can only be achieved through capable and ethical leaders.
She says leadership is not about rank or title but about service, integrity, responsibility, courage and the ability to work together for the benefit of people.
The Vice-Chancellor described the occasion as historic, noting that Rabuka was making his first official visit to the Nasinu Campus as Minister responsible for Fiji National University.
Nabobo-Baba also highlighted the historical significance of the Nasinu site, saying it was where Fiji's chiefs were first educated and trained for leadership, a legacy that continues today through programmes such as the Vanua Leadership Course for young chiefs from across the country.
Insert: Vice-Chancellor on the Launch 17th June 26
Rabuka stressed that the purpose of education is not simply to produce graduates and academics, but to develop strong leaders who can help build great nations.
He reflected on Fiji's history of leadership development, highlighting the role traditional leaders and institutions such as Queen Victoria School have played in preparing people for leadership in government, military and public service.
Nabobo-Baba acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Fiji and the United States, noting that the Nasinu site had historical links with American forces during World War II and that today's partnership with the US Embassy, Nevada National Guard and the College of Southern Nevada continues that connection.
She thanked the partners for helping make the Executive Public Leadership Course possible.
The programme brings together 40 participants who will undertake a two-week course and graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Executive Public Leadership.
Nabobo-Baba says while the qualification is important, the greater goal is to strengthen participants' commitment to public service and leadership and to prepare future leaders for Fiji and the wider Pacific.
Rabuka also spoke about Fiji's international relationships, revealing that he recently wrote to United States President Donald Trump congratulating him on his birthday and expressing hope that peace agreements aimed at ending conflicts in the Middle East and Europe would be signed.
He says he later sent another letter congratulating Trump on the signing of an agreement expected to help end conflicts and ensure key international shipping routes remain open.
Rabuka stressed that strong relationships between leaders of both large and small nations remain important in maintaining peace, stability and economic security around the world.
