Fiji needs an education system that is relevant to a 21st century economy, says Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad.
Speaking at the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants Annual Congress 2024 at Shangri-la Resort in Nadroga, Mr Prasad said this was imperative as the nation continues to deal with critical health issues such as NCDs and domestic violence.
These two issues, he said carried poor record and the scourge of drugs has recently received much public attention.
“And as we tackle these 20th century challenges, those of the 21st century
confront us,” he said.
“Climate change is not theoretical. It affects our infrastructure, as everyone from Suva knows who was without water last month.
“Climate events will damage our productivity and drive up insurance premiums. We must, like the rest of the world, try to understand and harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while understanding and mitigating its disruptive threat.
These issues, he said wouldn’t be resolved in one or two years.
“These are inter-generational – and the challenges will keep coming. So as politicians we must confront
them together.”
