The 4th Singapore-Pacific Islands Transport Ministers Forum held in Singapore aims to strengthen collaboration on transport policy, infrastructure and connectivity between the Pacific and Singapore.
Fiji was presented at the forum by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji’s chairman, Savenaca Cavalevu and the Tourism and Civil Aviation of Fiji’s permanent secretary, Salaseini Daunabuna.
The theme for the two-day forum was “Navigational Global Transport in a Changing World: Opportunities and Partnerships”.
Mr Cavalevu, who delivered his speech at the forum, highlighted that the theme reflected the nation’s strategic and urgent role in responding to evolving global transport challenges, particularly those stemming from geographical isolation and the worsening impacts of climate change.
According to the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Mr Cavalevu highlighted that Fiji, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), must not only maintain robust transport connectivity, but also transition to more sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient transport systems through strengthening partnerships.
He reaffirmed Fiji’s leadership in key areas such as the implementation of the Transport Decarbonisation Implementation Strategy (supported by the New Zealand Government), the progress under the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership for Sustainable Shipping, the development of climate-resilient port action plans with UNESCAP and the participation in the sustainable maritime transport pathways initiative with the Global Green Grown Institute.
According to the Ministry, Fiji’s presentation at the forum highlighted the urgent need for targeted investment in infrastructure, safety, capability development, and digital transformation, while also addressing the growing shortage of skilled professionals in the transport sector.
