The Governments of Fiji and Australia, in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC), celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday for a new regional SPC facility.
Expected to be completed by 2026, the new complex will enhance the delivery of development services across the region, strengthening SPC’s ability to address key challenges including climate change, disaster resilience, food security, and public health.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka praised SPC’s evolution since its founding in 1947, and Fiji’s ongoing commitment as a member and host country.
“At a time of increased uncertainty around the world… it is encouraging to see our regional bodies forge ahead, in the true spirit of Pacific resilience,” said the Prime Minister. He also reaffirmed Fiji’s support by announcing an FJ$3.7 million contribution toward the new facility.
“SPC has also supported Fiji through various projects related to climate adaptation, agriculture, maritime boundaries, disaster risk management, gender equality and youth empowerment, to name a few, for which we are grateful,” he added.
Via online link, SPC Director General Dr Stuart Minchin echoed this optimism, describing the new building as a symbol of the organisation’s growth in response to the Pacific’s expanding needs.
“We are expected to grow not because SPC needs to grow, but because the challenges that the Pacific faces are so great,” he said.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Peter Roberts, highlighted the project as a tangible outcome of long-standing collaboration between Pacific partners.
“This facility is a reflection of the deep trust and cooperation shared between Fiji, Australia, and SPC,” he said. “It demonstrates the importance we place on supporting Pacific-led development and the strength of our regional partnerships.”
He reaffirmed the strength of the trilateral partnership and acknowledged Fiji’s key role as host, noting its leadership in supporting Pacific regionalism.
“Our cooperation on regional and international issues is a pillar of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale partnership,” Roberts said. “SPC is a valued partner for both Australia and Fiji, and we are proud to support its vital work from gender equality and land resource management to disaster risk reduction.”
He concluded by expressing hope that the new building will serve as a space for collaboration, cooperation, and community.
Fiji currently hosts SPC’s largest regional presence, with over 500 staff across Suva campuses. The organisation is headquartered in Noumea, New Caledonia.
