FIJI DEEPENS PARTNERSHIP WITH SAEMAUL UNDONG

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka held a fruitful bilateral meeting with the President of Saemaul Undong (SMU), Mr. Kim Kwang Lim, setting set the stage for the next phase of Fiji's partnership with the Korean initiative.

Held on the margins of the Saemaul Undong Ministerial Conference in Gyeongju City, Korea, this week, the meeting focused on expanding the SMU partnership in Fiji, particularly the identification of the next group of villages to be piloted under the initiative.

The two leaders also explored capacity-building opportunities for local leaders in Fiji to strengthen their understanding of the SMU principles of diligence, self-help, and cooperation. Discussions further emphasised integrating these principles into the Ministry's rural development programmes and the forthcoming National Rural Development Policy, ensuring long-term sustainability and community-led development.

Minister Ditoka said the partnership with SMU had already demonstrated tangible benefits in Fiji's pilot villages and expressed confidence that its expansion would deepen resilience, promote self-reliance, and strengthen inclusive rural development across the country.

While in Korea, Minister Ditoka also paid a courtesy visit to the Korean National Disaster Management Institute (NDMI). The discussions with the NDMI team centered on capacity-building opportunities and knowledge sharing in disaster management, as well as gaining an understanding of the institute's facility layout and operational framework. Hon. Ditoka acknowledged the importance of such exchanges in strengthening Fiji's disaster preparedness and resilience strategies.

He also reaffirmed Fiji's commitment to strengthening partnerships with Korea through initiatives that not only enhance rural development but also boost national resilience to disasters and climate risks.