Author: aniket

The University of Fiji’s Drua Project Coordinator, Mr. Setareki Ledua, proudly represented UniFiji at the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Preparatory Commission held on Thursday, 28 August 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters, New York.

Mr. Ledua advanced UniFiji’s voice in global conversations on inclusive ocean governance and traditional knowledge, ensuring that the Pacific and the University of Fiji were both visible at this important international forum.

This participation provided not only an opportunity to stand for the Pacific but, most importantly, to showcase the University of Fiji on the international stage.

The BBNJ Agreement is a new, legally binding instrument under UNCLOS focused on conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), which make up nearly two-thirds of the ocean. As the third implementing agreement under UNCLOS, it addresses key gaps in ocean governance across four pillars: marine genetic resources and benefit sharing; area-based management tools including marine protected areas; environmental impact assessments; and capacity building and transfer of marine technology. Adopted in 2023, the treaty will enter into force 120 days after the 60th ratification is deposited with the UN Secretary-General.

A distinctive feature of the BBNJ Agreement is its recognition of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), including provisions for integrating traditional knowledge alongside science, participation in governance, and dedicated funding to support IPLC conservation programmes.

Reflecting on his participation, Mr. Ledua said his involvement at the BBNJ Preparatory Commission elevated the University of Fiji’s visibility in international policy forums while creating new opportunities for the institution. He highlighted that this representation opens practical pathways for collaborative research and teaching in areas such as ABNJ conservation, ocean law, and traditional knowledge. It also encourages student and staff engagement with emerging BBNJ institutions, including the Scientific and Technical Body and the Clearing-House Mechanism, while fostering partnerships for capacity building and technology transfer that prioritize Pacific needs and perspectives.

Mr. Ledua further stressed the importance of policy influence, particularly through proposals to embed IPLC leadership via an IPLC Advisory Mechanism to guide area-based management tools (ABMTs), environmental impact assessments (EIAs), capacity building initiatives, and fair benefit-sharing.

Speaking at the conference he emphasized that the “Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities are not peripheral to ocean governance, they are central. Their ancestral knowledge, cultural practices, and lived stewardship offer not only wisdom but solutions for the challenges we face in protecting biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. The BBNJ Agreement must not be implemented in isolation from those who have safeguarded marine ecosystems for generations. Inclusion is not charity – it is justice. It is effectiveness. It is resilience. We call on all delegates, institutions, and partners to ensure that IPLC voices are not just heard but embedded in the heart of BBNJ implementation. Let this event be the beginning of a sustained commitment to co-governance, equity, and respect. Together, we can shape a future where the ocean is protected not only by policy – but by people.”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, congratulated Mr. Ledua on his achievement, describing it as an important milestone for UniFiji and the Pacific.

Professor Shameem said the University’s Drua Project and it’s contribution to the BBNJ parliamentary select committee process in Fiji where the University’s JDP School of Law made strong submissions supporting Fiji Government’s ratification of the Agreement was preparation for Captain Ledua’s participation in New York.

She said the University is involved in a number of international research projects with other university partners in Europe to ensure the high seas and coastal issues stemming from relentless commercial activity such as mining and fishing are properly addressed through both international and domestic law. Furthermore, the University of Fiji takes every opportunity, budget permitting, to attend meetings in the international fora to which it actively contributes through its unique human values perspective on crises of the 21st century such as economic and labour exploitation, commercial hyper-activity and geo-political tensions within the bloc realignments currently taking place, she said.

The University as Fiji’s primary independent think-tank was being identified more and more internationally as being able to express a perspective based on equity and common sense, Professor Shameem said. The University’s participation in the BBNJ high level strategy meeting was an indication of its inclusive community- based voice much needed for significant developments in international relations with the Ocean Pacific as it’s moral compass she said.

She added that Mr. Ledua’s contribution not only reflects his personal dedication but also strengthens the University’s vision of combining academic excellence with cultural knowledge to influence global policy.

The University of Fiji commends Mr. Ledua for representing the institution with distinction and looks forward to the opportunities, networks, and collaborations that will emerge from his participation on the international stage.

The University of Fiji’s School of Business and Economics (SoBE) has achieved international recognition, receiving 1 Palme of Excellence in the prestigious 2025 Eduniversal Best Business Schools Ranking. This milestone acknowledges SoBE’s growing role in shaping higher education in the Pacific and highlights its commitment to inclusive, accessible, and high-quality education.

EdUniversal, a respected global ranking and rating agency for higher education institutions, evaluates business schools based on academic reputation, internationalisation, and influence in their geographical zone.

The award demonstrates the School’s growing reputation, quality of programmes, and alignment with international standards.

Dr. Navneel Prasad, Head of Department- Management and Senior Lecturer the School of Business and Economics, said this recognition reflects the dedication of the School to serving the Pacific region’s unique needs.

“This milestone reinforces the School’s commitment to producing skilled graduates, supporting business innovation, and contributing to economic development in Fiji and the wider Pacific. The recognition also enhances the School’s visibility globally, creating new opportunities for academic partnerships, student exchanges, and research collaborations.”

The Eduniversal Palme of Excellence is awarded by the International Scientific Committee of Eduniversal, a globally respected ranking and rating agency for higher education institutions. The recognition is based on criteria such as academic reputation, internationalisation, and influence within their geographical zone.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem said that School of Business and Economics is one of only two universities in Fiji to have received this distinction.

“This is a wonderful accolade, not only for our School of Business and Economics which is cutting edge for modern economic, management and accounting theory, as well as our MBA Programme, but for the University as a whole.”

The Vice Chancellor said the University was growing in reputation among its peers internationally through such academic quality accreditation and, while not adequately resourced compared to other universities in Fiji, was nevertheless leading by example in all its programmes.

This milestone underscores SoBE’s role in expanding access to higher education in Fiji’s Western Division and rural communities, preparing graduates to contribute to key industries such as agriculture, tourism, and business innovation, providing internationally accredited programmes in accounting (CAANZ, CPA Australia, FICA) and tourism (endorsed by PATA) and reinforcing global standards through its membership in AACSB and institutional accreditation by the UK’s QAA.

The recognition also strengthens SoBE’s global visibility, paving the way for new opportunities in academic partnerships, student exchanges, and collaborative research.

The University of Fiji (Unifiji) is calling for urgent reform of the Fiji Police Force to build a Dynamic, Responsive, Transformative, and Future-Ready Force capable of addressing today’s complex challenges.

The Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said that all proposed reforms and revisions of legislation came within the University’s ThinkTank role as a KPI in its Strategic Plan 2022-2026. Thus the University took as many opportunities as possible to make submissions on legislative revisions either upon request from government agencies or under the University’s own cognizance as the critic and conscience of society.

Professor Shameem said the current Police Act was not only outdated it was not sufficiently focused in accordance with Fiji’s commitments under international law which it was bound to follow.

The revisions recommended by UniFiji were comprehensive, and pertained to proper exercise of law and order with appropriate safeguards in relation to international human rights and humanitarian law. The University’s recommendations were based on achieving the balance between security of the state and people through policing on the one hand, and the rights of the individual and police officers on the other, she said.

Professor Shameem also said that there must be more emphasis on community policing so that there was trust between Fiji’s diverse communities and the police. Furthermore, there seemed to be a shortfall in police training whereby many police officers themselves did not appear to know how to conduct themselves lawfully. There is a duty imposed on the Ministry responsible for policing to ensure that more than basic training is provided to the police in matters such as human values, ethics, diplomacy, gender and child rights issues, advocacy for community policing and language and culture so that police can serve all the people of Fiji fairly and equitably. The University’s submissions were drafted from that perspective in mind.

Fiji faces rising drug-related offences, domestic and sexual violence, emerging digital crimes, transnational threats, and declining public trust in policing. At the same time, citizens demand accountability, transparency, professionalism, and respect for human rights. Without meaningful reform, the Police Force risks losing legitimacy and the ability to effectively protect Fijians.

Following the Police Act Review, Unifiji has submitted a written comprehensive submission for consideration and have proposed major reforms (but is not limited to) to modernize policing and strengthen public trust.

Key Recommendations

1. Mandatory Drug Testing of Police Officers
   • Introduce a law-backed, mandatory drug testing regime for all police officers, across all ranks.
   • Testing should be random, incident-based, and triggered by reasonable suspicion, ensuring that integrity and fitness for duty are maintained at all times.
   • Clear and consistent disciplinary consequences must apply to officers who test positive.
   • This measure will directly address concerns about police involvement in drug-related offences, protect the reputation of the Force, and restore public confidence.
2. Introduction of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs)
   • Amend the Police Act (or adopt a new Surveillance & Policing Technologies Act) to authorize BWCs and other digital tools.
   • Mandate activation during arrests, searches, vehicle stops, use of force, domestic violence responses, and critical incidents.
   • Require strict data governance, privacy safeguards, independent audits, and annual reporting to Parliament.
3. Arms and Ammunition
   • The current Police Act states that the Force is “entitled” to carry arms, a provision that is overly broad and risks misuse. Unifiji recommends replacing this with language that makes firearm use lawful, conditional, and regulated.
   • Firearms must only be used where exceptional, proportionate, and strictly necessary, consistent with international human rights standards. The new Act should also set clear rules for authorization, training, safe storage, and mandatory reporting of firearm use.
4. Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA)
   • Establish an independent civilian-led authority with powers to investigate complaints, subpoena officers, and refer cases for discipline or prosecution.
   • Require annual public reporting to strengthen transparency.
5. Mandatory Mental Health & Psychiatric Assessments
   • Psychological screening should not be limited to recruitment only, officers must also undergo structured mental health assessments every 3–5 years to ensure continued fitness for duty.
   • Provide confidential counselling and wellness programmes to support officers.
6. Community Policing
   • The current Police Act focuses on enforcement but does not recognize community policing as a core duty. Unifiji recommends embedding community policing, prevention, and engagement into the new Act.
   • This includes establishing a Department of Community Safety and Partnerships, creating local community forums, and ensuring all officers are trained in problem-solving and partnership approaches.
   • Fiji must move beyond a reactive model to an intelligence-led, community-driven approach that prevents crime, builds trust, and reduces pressure on frontline response.
7. Whistleblower Protections
   • Enact whistleblower protections for both police officers and civilians, including confidentiality guarantees and protection from retaliation.
   • Link protections to the IPCA for independent oversight of complaints and investigations.
   • Mandate annual public reporting on complaints, investigations, and disciplinary outcomes to ensure transparency.
8. Inclusion & Representation
   • Introduce diversity targets for women, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.
   • Publish annual diversity reports and ensure accessibility of police services.
9. Alignment with Constitution & Human Rights
   • The new Police Act must fully reflect Fiji’s Bill of Rights and international standards. This means protecting life, liberty, and privacy, prohibiting torture and discrimination; safeguarding children and vulnerable groups, ensuring fair treatment of arrested persons and strictly regulating the use of force so it is exceptional, proportionate, and a last resort.
10. Ethical Technology & Digital Crime
    • Regulate use of AI, drones, biometrics, and surveillance under a rights-based framework.
    • Establish a Cybercrime & Digital Forensics Unit to address phishing, hacking, and deep fakes.
11. Political Activities
    • New Act in Fiji should maintain clear restrictions on political engagement and outside employment for police officers.
    • The law should prohibit officers from standing for election, campaigning, or publicly supporting political parties while serving in the Force, in order to preserve neutrality and public trust.
12. Mandatory Human Values & Vulnerable Groups Training
    • Make respect, dignity, and fairness core pillars of police training.
    • Include specialized modules on domestic violence, children, people with disabilities, and minority groups.

Unifiji emphasizes that a reformed Police Act will produce a Force that is professional in conduct, accountable in practice, inclusive in representation, and trusted by the people.

“Above all, these reforms will strengthen democracy, uphold justice, and safeguard the dignity and safety of every Fijian, today and for generations to come,” said Madam VC.

The University of Fiji had the honour of hosting Dr. Michael Horowitz, Dean of Atenisi Institute, Tonga, during his two day visit to the Saweni Campus this week. Dr. Horowitz, whose role as Dean is equivalent to Vice-Chancellor, engaged with University leadership and held discussions with staff and students.

University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem warmly welcomed Dr. Horowitz acknowledging that the purpose of his visit was to explore areas of collaboration between Atenisi and the University of Fiji.

These areas of collaboration will focus on shared academic values, the internationalization of Pacific higher education, and the critical role universities play in shaping socially responsible graduates.

‘Atenisi’s education is founded on freedom of thought and intellect. It’s students are taught to critique all types of dogma. The University of Fiji has at its own foundation the aim to be the critic and conscience of society and a human value think tank for the public good. It was inevitable that such like-minded higher education institutions, in neighboring countries, would reach out to each other in the spirit of partnership, particularly during times of uncertainty’, Professor Shameem said.

She said the University was impressed with the depth of Atenisi’s curriculum based on philosophies, both ancient and modern, as well as science, art, humanities, law, languages and performance. Atenisi’s students were deeply thoughtful, inquisitive in knowledge and of practical mind at the same time, the Vice Chancellor said. The University looked forward to staff and students exchanges with Atenisi, and for scholarly joint publications in interdisciplinary studies.

In the meeting, Dr. Horowitz highlighted the intellectual strengths of smaller Pacific institutions, stressing that academic quality is measured not by student numbers but by creative, well-researched scholarship. He also spoke about the need for universities to cultivate conscience, critical judgment, and global awareness in their graduates’ values which he believes are essential to addressing the pressing challenges of the 21st century.

Reflecting on his experience at UniFiji, Dr. Horowitz expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality and enriching exchange of ideas.

“This partnership is not about who is large or small; it is about intellectual clout. Both Atenisi and UniFiji have much to contribute through rigorous scholarship and by nurturing values that guide graduates beyond their academic years.”

He further noted that student and faculty exchanges could significantly strengthen internationalisation, broadening perspectives and enriching interdisciplinary scholarship across the Pacific.

The University of Fiji looks forward to building on this dialogue to explore joint research initiatives, student exchanges, and academic collaborations with Atenisi Institute, ensuring both institutions continue to serve as vital centres of learning and thought leadership in the Pacific.

Dr. Horowitz also added that the future of higher education in the Pacific depends on producing environmentally conscious graduates willing to make sacrifices for the planet’s wellbeing.

He further endorsed UniFiji’s vision of expanding the humanities and social sciences, noting that literature, philosophy, history, and related disciplines are essential for developing well-rounded graduates even those pursuing science and technical fields.

The University of Fiji’s Review of the Education Act 1966- Aspirational to Action, Transforming Education through Legislative Reform: Submissions to the Law Reform Commission and the Ministry of Education.

The University of Fiji is pleased to announce the completion of its comprehensive review of the Education Act 1966. The final submission was made to the Fiji Reform Commission and the Ministry of Education today.

In its submissions the University of Fiji Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem thanked the Ministry of Education and Fiji Law Reform Commission for initiating the review and prioritizing the future education in Fiji.

“As a significant higher education institution, with campuses in Saweni, Ba and Samabula, and an office in Levuka, the University hopes that its recommendations, reached after a significant period of consultations with its stakeholders, will be helpful to the Ministry as it moves towards enacting a 21st century modern educational service for the development of the nation, especially focused on young people”, she said.

The submission aligns Fiji’s international commitments to the right to education as well as to the 2013 Constitution and national development goals. The submission recommends adopting a policy so that no child is excluded or left behind due to a flawed or ineffective system. The University said that all children deserved an education system that empowers, protects, supports and uplifts and are not hampered by system failures or outmoded legislation.

Professor Shameem said that the authorities needed to ensure that the Education Ministry was properly resourced to provide a holistic and human values-based education for Fiji’s young people as they were the future of the nation.

Significant recommendations from UniFiji include:

a) Compulsory Schooling from age 5 – 18 or year 12/13 equivalent.

• Mandate compulsory schooling from age 5 until completion of Year 12 or 18 years, whichever comes first;
• Impose a statutory duty on parents and legal guardians to ensure that their children are enrolled in school and regularly attend classes;
• Include all geographical areas of Fiji under compulsory free education, without exclusions.

b) National Curriculum- Mandate a robust and relevant national curriculum and ensure that key learning areas, starting from primary schools, are prescribed and that the curriculum is age appropriate, inclusive, culturally sensitive and responsive, and have integrated critical thinking, digital literacy, financial literacy, climate education, civic responsibilities and basic legal education. The national curriculum must be monitored regularly and reviewed every 2 years by an independent and permanent Education Commission established for the purpose.

c) Truancy Prevention & Enforcement- Ministry to appoint & empower “Attendance Watch Officers” to actively monitor public spaces during school hours daily to identify school age children who are not in class without lawful reason and escort them back to school or home. This will also significantly reduce drug & sexual related offences involving children and young people in Fiji, which is a growing concern. Work closely with schools and legal guardians to ensure the children are closely monitored throughout the hours of school.

d) Integration of Education Act 1966 & Higher Education Act 2008- proposed to be replaced by a single combined overall legislation, “Education Act”. This overall legislation should cover the entire education system of Fiji from Early Childhood to Tertiary. Also, re-designate the Higher Education Commission as a dedicated Department under the Ministry of Education with appropriately qualified and experienced educators at all levels. This will ensure that there is proper governance, policy consistency, oversight and legal alignment across all levels of education in Fiji.

e) Health, Safety & Well-being – Place a legal obligation on schools to provide a safe and supportive learning environment, mental & wellbeing support (including access to free trained counsellors or psychologists in each school), and an emergency preparedness unit. Also mandate provision of free school meals (breakfast and/or lunch) to ensure all children have access to at least one nutritious meal a day.

f) School Retention & Performance- Mandate early intervention and catch-up programs to identify and support students at risk, improve performance and reduce drop-out rates through early tailored learning & support programmes.

g) Teacher Quality & Development- review standards for teacher qualifications, registration performance development and evaluation. Re-introduce school inspectors.

h) Governance & Accountability- Strengthen governance and accountability provisions in the Education Act (including management of schools). The Act must clearly outline a clear reporting and decision-making structure to ensure accountability and operational efficiency and to create a more responsive, accountable, adaptive, impactful, effective and transparent education system in Fiji

i) Rights-based Approach to education- ensure that children’s best interests and right to education are the heart of the new education system. Ensure alignment with constitutional guarantees, international obligations of Fiji and dignity, inclusion and equity as core principles;

j) Attendance Management- Introduce a framework to actively monitor student absenteeism, with mandatory thresholds (e.g. 5–10 consecutive days or excessive absences) that trigger early intervention, parental engagement, referrals to the Ministry and compulsory school attendance responses.

k) Discipline in Schools- Empower the Minister to issue guidelines for fair discipline codes to enhance classroom conduct with fewer disruptions, and promote a respectful learning environment which is crucial for student success. Implement reasonable disciplinary measures which allow students to learn from mistakes.

l) Establish an Independent Authority to evaluate legislative effectiveness- responsible for systematically collecting, analyzing and reporting data on identified key performance indicators such as access, equity, student learning outcomes, absenteeism, infrastructure, teacher effectiveness, retention rates, implementation and impact of prevention and intervention programs, to suggest future reforms, budget planning, resource management and stakeholder accountability. Reports should be made publicity available for transparency and public confidence. The proposed standing Education Commission can be the independent authority.

m) School inspections- to be carried out annually to ensure compliance with safety, health, infrastructure and requirements of the Act. If breaches are identified, to take appropriate enforcement action and impose penalties.

n) Inclusive Education- ensure that every child differently-abled child or with learning/special needs has access to quality education through mainstreaming or designated special schools, based on the individual’s needs after consultation with parents/legal guardians.

o) Offences & Penalties- Clearly outline and prescribe offences under the Act, including but not limited to, parents or legal guardians’ failure to enroll and ensure attendance, operating unregistered schools, vesting of qualified school management, obstruction of authorized officers, failure to comply with corrective plan (post inspections), failure to comply with requirements for student health, safety and well-being or any other breaches under the Act. Prescribe appropriate penalties, such as fines, prosecution, suspension of licences etc which should be proportionate to the nature and severity of each offence.

Professor Shaista Shameem said that the University’s comprehensive review of the education sector had identified critical shortcomings and gaps in the current Education Act. This is due to the evolving needs of Fiji’s future including in leadership, educators and society as a whole. She said that the current legislation no longer reflects the realities of our classroom, rights of our children and ambitions of our nation.
The legislative gaps are not minor- they are systemic which require a transformative reform.
The University’s submissions do not proposed merely a legal update but a bold and necessary re-alignment of Fiji’s education system with the needs of every Fijian learner, modern expectations and Fiji’s international obligations. Each recommendation, from mandating compulsory education, early intervention models, annual school inspections, emergency protocols to embedding mental health & wellbeing, nutrition, sanitation, infrastructure, is aimed to build a system that protects, empowers and supports young people from the age of 5 years to tertiary.
It represents a national investment in Fiji’s future to build a resilient, inclusive, future-ready, knowledge-based, adaptive, rights-based, sustainable quality-focused and learner centered education system. Every child deserves more than access to education, they deserve a system that protects and works for them, Professor Shameem said.