Assistant Minister for Finance, Honorable Esrom Immanuel

Chargée d’affaires a.i. of the European Union for the Pacific, Ms. Erja Askola

The Executive Director PIANGO, Ms. Emeline Siale Ilolahia

The Executive Director FCOSS, Ms. Vani Catanasiga 

Distinguished guests 

Members of the Media

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning.

It is my pleasure to speak at the official opening of the People-Centered Public Finance Management and the National Budget Workshop, organized by the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) and Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO). I extend a warm welcome to all participants, including government officials, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders, who have gathered here today to deliberate on crucial economic and fiscal issues.

Today marks a significant milestone in the public finance management journey in the Pacific. On behalf of UNDP, I am honored to be a part of this workshop, which is a crucial step towards promoting more inclusive and responsive budgeting measures in the region. By fostering collaboration and partnership, we can tackle the challenges facing public finance management and create a funding system that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs and interests of the public.

One way to achieve inclusive and responsive public finance management that prioritizes public goods such as education, healthcare, and social protection is by aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs provide a blueprint for sustainable development that aims to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. By involving citizens in the budget process and promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic decision-making, we can contribute to achieving the SDGs and building a better future for all. The Vaka Pasifika Project and the initiatives of FCOSS are examples of how this can be done in the Pacific region.

We gather at a time of great change and uncertainty, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to impact lives and livelihoods around the world. However, in the face of these challenges, we must remain hopeful and seize the opportunity to build a better future for all. The Vaka Pasifika Project, generously funded by the European Union until 2026, seeks to address challenges in the oversight and accountability of public finance in the Pacific. This workshop is a critical step towards achieving that goal. At the heart of the Vaka Pasifika Project is the idea that public finance are the finances of the people, and people-centered public finance management must be transparent, democratic, and accountable to the public, prioritizing public goods such as education, healthcare, and social protection.

Public finance management is often seen as a complex and technical issue that affects all of us, whether as taxpayers, service users, or citizens. Yet the impact of decisions and processes linked to public money has a very real effect on our daily lives and a disproportionate impact on the most marginalized population. That is why public engagement in the budget cycle is vital. Citizens must have a say in how public resources are allocated and spent, and they must be able to hold their governments accountable for those decisions. One way to achieve this is through the use of citizens budgets, which provide a simplified and accessible version of the government's budget that can be easily understood by ordinary citizens.

By involving citizens in the budget process, we can ensure that public finance management is not only technically sound but also responsive to the needs and interests of people. This approach contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. FCOSS has done commendable work in this area, including citizens budget initiatives in Fiji and facilitating budget consultations with local communities. During COVID-19, FCOSS, in collaboration with Vaka Pasifika Project and PIANGO, conducted surveys to gather data on the impact of the pandemic on communities in Fiji. These insights informed budget submissions and advocated for more inclusive and responsive budgeting measures to address the needs of vulnerable populations. FCOSS has also utilized the concepts of 'Sautu,' an indigenous iTaukei philosophy of prosperity and well-being, to align public finance objectives with traditional governance institutions, local communities, and traditional public spaces like 'talanoa.'

The upcoming Economic Summit and the just concluded public consultation by the Fiscal Review Committee in Fiji are landmark events in the engagement of citizens on fiscal decision-making. The Summit next week is an essential event that brings together government officials, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on various economic and fiscal issues. The participation of civil society and citizens can help ensure the debate and discussions are centered on the realities and need of the population, including discussions on fiscal policies, revenue generation, expenditure allocation, debt management, and other related topics. This summit presents a significant platform for fostering partnerships and generating ideas to strengthen Fiji's fiscal management and promote sustainable economic growth that benefits all citizens.

I encourage all participants in this workshop to consider themselves experts – experts of the realities and truth of what the public finance system is currently delivering in Fiji. We often hide behind technical language but there should be no denying of results – if something doesn’t make sense to you don’t assume you are the one who doesn’t know. I hope this platform gives you an opportunity to ask questions until you are satisfied.

I am confident that this workshop will be a fruitful opportunity for all participants to engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and build new partnerships towards the goal of people-centered finance management. Together, we can make a difference and create a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.

Thank you once again to the Fiji Council of Social Services for organizing this workshop and for inviting me to speak today. I also would like to take this opportunity to thank the European Union for supporting the initiatives of UNDP through financial support to the Vaka Pasifika Project. I wish you all a successful and productive event and look forward to hearing about the outcomes of your discussions and the impact of your work in promoting people-centered public finance management in the Pacific.

Thank you.