Suva, Fiji – The U.S. Embassy in Suva and the Fiji National University (FNU) today begin the Executive Public Leadership Course.
The programme will be officially launched on 17 June and will feature the Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka; U.S. Embassy Suva Chargé d’Affaires, John Degory; FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba; and other officials from both nations, underscoring the strategic importance of this partnership and its contribution to the shared interests of Fiji and the United States.
The course is a strategic educational initiative that builds on the State Partnership Program between the U.S. state of Nevada’s National Guard and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, which was established in 2019. This course brings world-class leadership education to military and civilian leaders from Nevada and Fiji at the FNU’s Nasinu Campus, College of Business, Hospitality, and Tourism Studies (CBHTS). The inaugural course will run from June 15-26.
Chargé d’Affaires John Degory noted that this class comes at a historic moment: “As the United States celebrates 250 years of Independence this year, we reflect not only on our founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and freedom, but look forward to building a future with even stronger partnerships across the Blue Pacific that the United States and Fiji call home. This leadership course embodies the forward-looking, optimistic spirit of the U.S.-Fiji relationship and will foster even greater cooperation between our nations in the future.”
Professor Nabobo-Baba said the Executive Public Leadership Course reflects the Fiji National University’s commitment to developing ethical, adaptive and future-ready leaders capable of navigating increasingly complex national, regional, and global challenges: “At the Fiji National University, we believe leadership is not only about authority, but about service, integrity and the ability to inspire positive change. This course reflects our commitment to preparing leaders who can respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. Through this partnership, FNU is proud to contribute to strengthening leadership capacity while reinforcing Fiji’s role as a hub for regional education, dialogue, and professional development.”
This program represents a unique collaboration between the Nevada National Guard State Partnership Program, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), and the Fiji National University. The partnership leverages the existing strong academic relationship between CSN and FNU to deliver cutting-edge leadership education that will enhance mutual understanding and interoperability between Fijian and U.S. military and Government partners.
The course will accommodate up to 35 participants, including officers from the RFMF and RFMF Territorial Forces, Nevada National Guard members, and leaders from Fijian Government ministries and organizations spanning corrections, defense, agriculture, education, and police services. The curriculum will address critical leadership competencies including emotional intelligence, leading organizational change, power and influence, and collaborative problem-solving skills that enhance our partners’ capabilities and strengthen our collective security.
The program has been developed to meet rigorous academic standards while addressing real-world leadership challenges. The course will be facilitated by subject matter experts from both Nevada and Fiji, ensuring a rich exchange of perspectives and best practices that benefit both American and Fijian participants. The program will be housed within FNU’s College of Humanities, Education, and Law and the Ratu Mara Center for Leadership, Governance, and Security.
Following this initial pilot program, the Executive Public Leadership Course will run twice annually, alternating between Fiji and Nevada, beginning in 2027. This reciprocal arrangement fosters understanding of U.S. values and institutions while developing deep, strategic ties between the U.S. and Fijian militaries.
