Deuba, Fiji – A UN-funded Negotiation and Mediation Skills Training workshop concluded last week Friday at the Pearl Resort in Deuba, Fiji, successfully equipping participants with essential tools to enhance conflict resolution and foster social cohesion in their communities.

The training was organised by  the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and facilitated by the Clingendael academy, a reputable and one of the largest International diplomatic training institutes around the world.

The workshop is part of the joint UN “Strengthening Social Cohesion Pathways, Human Rights and Women’s Civic Participation” Project in Fiji, implemented by UNDP, UN Women and OHCHR with technical support from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and funding from the UN Secretary-General Peacebuilding Fund. The project exemplifies efforts to enhance social cohesion and national unity and seeks to strengthen the fabric of Fijian society through a whole-of-society approach, leveraging community engagement, local leadership, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to create sustainable pathways for peace.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including senior government officials, senior members of the defence force, delegates from the Itaukei Affairs Ministry, the Great Councils of Chiefs, civil society organization (CSO), and the LGBTI+ community.

The workshop was opened by the Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon Sakiusa Tubuna and closed by the Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, and Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Steering Committee, Hon Sashi Kiran.

Hon Sakiusa Tubuna emphasised that mediation and negotiation are more than just tools for conflict resolution; they embody the principles of dialogue, respect, and understanding that are fundamental to peaceful coexistence and national development in a multi-ethnic nation such as Fiji. He stressed that “Where different cultures, perspectives, and interests coexist, the ability to engage in constructive dialogue is critical”.

Hon Tubuna encouraged participants to share existing indigenous/local dispute resolution mechanisms to enrich the training.  Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms like mediation and negotiation he said are effective when anchored in indigenous and existing practices, as this ensures ownership and sustainability.

In closing the workshop, Hon Sashi Kiran, who is also the Chairperson of Steering Committee on Truth and Reconciliation Commission, highlighted the significance of these newly acquired skills in promoting dialogue and understanding among diverse groups within Fijian society.

She stressed that the journey towards social cohesion starts with recognizing the emotional wounds we carry and shifting our focus from negatives to celebrating the positives in our communities.

"If we don’t, we gift our children with narratives of pain. Our future generations continue to live in the past narratives, and we rob them of the future of hope and peace."

Hon. Kiran emphasized the significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, stating it will provide avenues for healing and help us rewrite our narratives toward hope. She also called on participants to become positive role models, shifting the focus from highlighting negatives to celebrating the achievements and strengths within our communities.

"You all hold influence on a broad spectrum of fields. People in your circles are guided by you and look up to you. I hope the skills learned here will be useful in engaging our families and communities into positive narratives, into space of listening, mediation and negotiation for conflict resolution," says Hon Kiran.