Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called on Fijians to embrace unity, discipline and national responsibility as the country commemorates Ratu Sukuna Day 2026.
In his official message for the national celebration, Rabuka said this year’s theme, “Ratu Sukuna – The Vision to Build, The Courage to Lead,” reflects the late statesman’s “foresight, courage, discipline, humility, wisdom, and commitment to service.”
He described Ratu Sukuna as a leader whose contribution “transcended his era,” saying his leadership laid the intellectual, institutional and moral foundations upon which modern Fiji continues to develop.
Rabuka said Fiji’s development agenda remains focused on economic transformation, institutional strengthening and inclusive growth, with Government aiming to lift economic growth to around 3.5 percent annually as part of its long-term vision toward high-income country status by 2050.
“This objective is both aspirational and transformational,” Rabuka said. “It requires sustained reform, productivity enhancement, innovation, and disciplined implementation across all sectors of the economy.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of education, saying Ratu Sukuna believed it was the foundation of national progress.
Quoting Ratu Sukuna, Rabuka said: “It is our unanimous desire that Fijians should thrive and grow in education.”
He said the recent opening of the Ratu Sukuna Library at Wairuku Primary School in Rakiraki serves as a reminder of Sukuna’s commitment to learning and human development.
On governance and leadership, Rabuka said Parliament this week undertook “significant deliberations and decisions” that advance Government’s national reform agenda.
“These decisions are integral to strengthening governance systems, improving institutional effectiveness, and supporting the broader objective of sustainable economic growth and national transformation,” he said.
Rabuka also raised concern over the increasing prevalence of drugs and HIV in the country, warning that many families are being affected.
“The prevalence of drugs and the rise in HIV numbers are not good for Fiji,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the protection and guidance of young people requires collective national action involving Government, families, communities, faith-based organisations and traditional leaders.
Rabuka stressed that traditional leadership continues to play an important role in promoting social order, reinforcing cultural values and supporting community-based solutions to social issues.
He also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the Constitution Review and Truth and Reconciliation processes, saying the initiatives are intended to strengthen understanding, healing and cohesion.
“These initiatives are not intended to divide, but to unify — by fostering dialogue, building trust, mutual respect and unity among all communities,” Rabuka said.
In concluding his message, Rabuka urged Fijians to reaffirm values of “discipline, humility, service, integrity, courage, and national unity.”
“Let us work together to build a Fiji that is economically resilient, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and institutionally strong,” he said.
Ratu Sukuna Day was reinstated as a public holiday by the Rabuka-led government after returning to office in 2022.
