Regional public service leaders from across the Pacific have gathered in Suva for the Pacific Public Service Leaders Conference, Fono 2025, to focus on strengthening governance, leadership and collaboration across the Blue Pacific.

Hosted by the Fiji Public Service Commission with support from the Public Service Fale, the four-day event runs from 17 to 20 November under the theme 'Winds of Change - Reimagining Public Service in the Blue Pacific Continent'.

Fono 2025 brings together Heads of Public Service from 16 Pacific countries and territories, with observers from Australia and New Zealand.

Delegates from the Cook Islands, Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are among the 70 participants attending.

Fiji's Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, opened the conference on behalf of the Prime Minister, calling for deeper regional cooperation to strengthen public service capability.

"The challenges we face individually may seem insurmountable, but when we come together to talanoa and confer, we realise we are not alone," he said.

"Recognising our shared struggles eases the burden and strengthens our resolve.

"That is the true value of a regional network like the Fono."

Mr Vosarogo said Pacific nations continue to face increasing pressures from global change and that cooperation remains central to regional resilience.

"This year's Fono reinforces our shared commitment to the values of collaboration, accountability and collective action," he said.

"It provides a platform for countries to exchange ideas, strengthen capability and ensure our public services are equipped to meet the needs of our people."

Public Service Fale Deputy Commissioner, Tania Ott, said the forum serves as a space for Pacific leaders to reflect, share experiences and build capability across the region.

In its third edition since beginning in 2020, the Pacific Public Service Leaders' Fono has become an annual space for countries to discuss reforms, challenges and opportunities in the region's public sectors.

Each year, Pacific leaders determine the agenda to ensure discussions remain relevant and regionally driven.

Fono 2025 opened with a ceremony at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat before delegates took part in sessions focused on regional leadership and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific.

Heads of delegation also met with Public Service Commissioners from Australia and New Zealand to discuss shared challenges, while delegates toured the new Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service.

Day two focuses on strategic direction setting through sub-regional caucuses and the annual meeting of the Pacific Public Service Leaders' Group.

Day three includes governance sessions of the Public Service Fale and panels on integrity, ethical leadership, digitisation, artificial intelligence and strategic workforce planning.

Experts and Pacific leaders are leading these sessions, followed by question-and-answer discussions and bilateral meetings.

The final day will present the outcomes of the Fono, highlighting key lessons and commitments from the week.

Delegates will also participate in the Partner Dialogue to discuss priorities for 2026 with development partners and regional organisations.

A closing ceremony and gala dinner will mark the conclusion of the event, recognising Fiji's role as host and the contributions of all participants.

Mr Rokovada said the conference reinforces the values of accountability, integrity and collective action at the heart of the Pacific public service.

"Through open dialogue, evidence-informed discussion and practical collaboration, the Fono helps ensure our public services are equipped to meet the needs of our people and future generations," he said.