MILITARY personnel and traditional leaders in Fiji are expected to significantly benefit from the “Executive Public Leadership Course” run jointly by Fiji and the United States to strengthen skills and institutional capacity for leaders.
The program, launched at the Fiji National University, was described by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as an initiative that strengthens national leadership capabilities by bringing senior leaders together in an academic setting.
Mr Rabuka said the university plays an important role in fostering structured leadership development, where theory and practice are bridged in ways that support more evidence-based and outcome-oriented decision-making within public institutions.
“This would ensure that leadership development is both grounded and relevant to the realities of government,” Mr Rabuka said.
“This approach strengthens the capabilities of public institutions by fostering more considered evidence based and outcome-oriented leadership culture.
“Such institutional leadership is of particular interest to the nation.”
FNU vice-chancellor Prof Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said the course reflects the university’s commitment to developing ethical, adaptive, and future-ready leaders capable of addressing complex national, regional, and global challenges.
She said leadership, in the university’s view, is not only about authority but also about service, integrity, and the ability to inspire positive change, adding that the program supports the development of leaders who can respond effectively to a rapidly changing world.
The course is a joint initiative involving the Nevada National Guard State Partnership Program, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the College of Southern Nevada, and Fiji National University.
It will be facilitated by subject matter experts from both Nevada and Fiji and delivered through FNU’s College of Humanities, Education, and Law, as well as the Ratu Mara Center for Leadership, Governance, and Security.
Following the initial pilot program, the Executive Public Leadership Course is expected to run twice annually, alternating between Fiji and Nevada, beginning in 2027.
“This program stands as a testament to the value of purposeful co-operation in advancing leadership development and strengthening government,” Mr Rabuka said.
