Pacific Public Service Leaders’ Fono 2024 Steps Towards Resilient Governance

Apia, Samoa – 19 November 2024 – Over seventy public service leaders and senior officials from 16 Pacific member countries are meeting in Apia for 2024 Fono.

The annual meeting is hosted by the Samoa Public Service Commission in collaboration with the New Zealand Public Service Fale, and aims to foster dialogue, share insights, and explore innovative strategies tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in the Pacific region.

The four-day conference kicked off today with the traditional Ava o le Feiloaiga/Welcome Ava Ceremony, setting a cultural tone for discussions centered around the theme: “A resilient workforce achieving public service excellence the Pacific Way.”

In her keynote address, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister of Samoa, underscored the alignment of this year’s theme with broader regional objectives.

“The theme of the Fono aligns well with the objectives of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting recently hosted by Samoa to foster resilient societies through the empowerment of communities, families, and individuals for a peaceful and productive life,” she stated.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa with the delegates of the Public Service Leaders Fono 2024 in Samoa

Prime Minister Mata’afa also highlighted the importance of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which envisions a resilient Pacific characterized by peace, social inclusion, and prosperity.

This Fono serves as a platform for Pacific-led discussions, allowing leaders to exchange insights on the ongoing developments and challenges within their public service sectors. Throughout the event, delegates will discuss innovative practices and reforms aimed at enhancing public service delivery.

Key topics will include capacity building, community engagement, and the impact of climate change on operations.

The Chairman of the Samoan Public Service Commission, Mr. Nonu Lemauga Saleimoa Va’ai, expressed his pride in hosting the event, stating:

“The Samoa Public Service Commission is delighted to welcome our Pacific public sector colleagues. We are honored to host this important gathering, as it provides an opportunity for us, as leaders in the Samoa Public Service, to showcase our values and bring to life our vision of Public Service Excellence, ‘Talofa With a Smile,’ throughout this conference and beyond.”

The Prime Minister with the Chairs of the Public Service of the Pacific member countries.

Mr. Tasi Le’au, a senior official from Fiji’s Public Service Commission, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “This platform is crucial for us to learn from each other and develop strategies that reflect our unique Pacific identities and needs.”

The Fono represents a critical opportunity to strengthen ties among nations, share knowledge, and advocate for governance that reflects the unique contexts of Pacific Island nations.

PSC Secretary, Mr. Kolone Tikeri, outlined the agenda, highlighting the focus on collaboration and leadership development.

“Over the next four days, we look forward to working together to address regional public service priorities identified during the Fale’s recent sub-regional meetings. A key focus of this year’s Fono will be shaping future public service leaders and enhancing service delivery in practice.”

PSC Secretary, Mr. Kolone Tikeri addressing the meeting.

A highlight of the opening ceremony was the official handover from New Zealand, the previous host of the Fono. Tania Ott, Deputy Commissioner at the New Zealand Public Service Commission and Head of the Public Service Fale, reflected on the legacy of the conference and its ongoing importance in fostering public service excellence across the Pacific.

“We extend our thanks to the Samoa Public Service Commission and Public Service Leaders from across the Pacific for their work to support the development of strong, transparent, and effective public services locally, and regionally,” Ms Ott said.

“Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have consistently articulated the importance of good governance for the region and the vital contribution good governance makes to sustainable development and economic growth. The Fale’s support to Pacific Public Service Leaders and their agencies to improve integrity and ethics behaviour and implement merit-based, equitable and inclusive management practices directly contribute to these aspirations.”