The Fiji Government today hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Pacific Community (SPC) facility in Suva, reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation, scientific excellence, and collective progress across the Pacific.
The new facility, supported by the Governments of Fiji and Australia in partnership with SPC, will enable stronger coordination, innovation and service delivery.
Officiating at the ceremony today, Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka emphasised Fiji’s commitment to Pacific-owned and led organisations like the SPC, given the significant role they play in serving the needs and priorities of the Pacific.
“At a time of increased uncertainty around the world, where developments at the global stage shake the foundations of the multilateral system, it is encouraging to see our regional bodies forge ahead, in the true spirit of Pacific resilience,” said Prime Minister Rabuka.
SPC’s Director General, Dr Stuart Minchin, also spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony and highlighted the broader regional impact of the expansion:
“This building is a symbol that we are actually expected to grow, not because SPC needs to grow, but because the challenges that the Pacific faces are so great that we need to grow to support our members with their challenges, such as climate change, managing our oceans, economic growth, public health and education.”
Bolstering this facility through its vuvale (family) relationship is the Australian Government, which reflects the ongoing long-term partnership and steadfast commitment to supporting Pacific-led sustainable development in meaningful ways. These ongoing, sustainable and impactful relationships have been and continue to be critical to the future sustainability of the region and organisations such as SPC to the region.
This support not only backs Fiji’s leadership but also reinforces the vital role of regional institutions like SPC.
The facility, expected to be completed in 2026, will house 200 staff and represents another step forward in Fiji’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Pacific for future generations.
Fiji is currently the host to SPC’s largest regional offices, with over 500 staff in Suva across various campuses. Fiji is also home to the Pacific Seed Bank, a genetics lab that stores crops and trees critical for food security in communities across the entire Pacific region.
From the outset, Fiji has been a steadfast member, offering not only a home for SPC but also a key supporter of innovation and science that has an impact both locally and across our entire Pacific region. By hosting SPC, Fiji has enabled collaboration, built trust among regional partners, and helped shape a Pacific institution that reflects the region’s values and priorities.
