News & Events Archives - The University of Fiji

Oct 26

United Nations Day 2026 Press Statement

The University of Fiji marked United Nations Day on 24 October by recalling the reasons why the UN was established after the devastation of World War II. It is urging the Government of Fiji to commemorate the date in recognition of its governing obligations to restore trust, to deliver uniformly for everyone in Fiji and to actively promote peace.

In expressing this message Professor Shameem said the Government should look at two countries, Kenya and India, as leaders fostering the aims of the United Nations for diverse populations where tensions were mitigated by master-stroke transformation of national policy on inclusivity. ‘Kenya has declared the Kenyan-Asian population, the ‘Muindi’, as its 44th Tribe, and India defines its entire population at the time of independence and their successors as indigenous’, she said.

Professor Shameem said that for Kenya, the 44th Tribe designation aims to integrate the Muindi community more fully into public life, encourage political and government participation, and formally acknowledge their historical contributions to Kenya’s economy, education, and healthcare sectors.

India has declared that the Western-centric definition of ‘indigenous peoples’ is often tied strictly to pre-colonial populations or groups marginalized by later-arriving conquerors and this does not fit India’s long, complex civilizational history where vast portions of the population share common histories and roots.

Both Kenya and India are examples of how visionary leaders creatively initiated policies that promoted inclusivity and, therefore, peace, dispensing with any need for silos in multi-ethnic populations, she said. ‘These are not assimilation strategies where minority groups are forced to be absorbed into the dominant majority populations but a declaration of true partnership in the national stake with resources equitably allocated among ethnic and linguistic groups’.

Professor Shameem said that assimilation would be contrary to the UN prohibition on discrimination. ‘Linguistic and cultural minority groups are protected by international law; the importance of language as the window into culture cannot be under-rated. No one can be prevented by their government from maintaining and championing one’s own language and, therefore, culture’.
She noted that the Preamble of the United Nations Charter set out some fundamental principles that should be stated in any Fijian Constitution, namely the determination, as peoples of the United Nations, ‘to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom; and for these ends, to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples’.
She said the theme for the 2026 UN Day was to ‘restore trust, manage transformation and deliver for all’. Given Fiji’s close relationship with the United Nations through peacekeeping over decades, it was timely to consider what the theme meant for the present circumstances, when seriously dissenting voices were being heard daily by way of public submissions to the Special Constitution Committee.

‘Freedom of opinion is very important, though, at some point soon, the Government will inevitably have to face the fact that it will not be able to incorporate everyone’s views in the next draft of Bill No 32 given time limitations and even policy mismatch within the Coalition partners’. Yet, every single voice in the country is significant, she said. The inability to meaningfully amend the current draft of the Bill will leave most people dissatisfied with the process and its implications for trust.

Professor Shameem said that the Government can pay respectful heed to the message expressed by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres to commemorate UN day 2026:
“Our world is shaken by conflict. Battered by the climate crisis. Scarred by rising inequalities. And transformed by technologies speeding faster than our ability to govern them. Now is the time to reaffirm the values that gave birth to the United Nations: Dialogue over division. Cooperation over confrontation. Solidarity over fear. On United Nations Day, I call on all countries to renew their commitment to these shared values and the obligations that underpin them. Now more than ever, let us stand firm in our resolve to uphold the United Nations Charter and international law.”

Professor Shameem said that, in her view, there was no better time for the Fijian Government to listen very carefully to the UN Secretary General’s message and also to the clear voices of the people of Fiji, especially young people, at the Special Constitution Committee hearings chaired by the Hon. Prime Minister, magnified by the leading examples of two United Nations states, Kenya and India.

Oct 26

The University of Fiji Looks to Expand Academic and Cultural Partnerships with Cuba

The University of Fiji is looking to strengthen its academic and cultural partnerships with Cuba through new opportunities in music, arts, education and public health, building on existing agreements with Cuban institutions.

Speaking at the Cuba and Fiji Cultural Event hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Suva on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, said the celebration marked an important milestone in efforts to deepen cultural understanding and cooperation between the two island nations.

Professor Shameem said while the University had established partnerships with several Cuban institutions, greater efforts were needed to promote Cuban arts and culture in Fiji and across the wider Pacific.

“Although the University has a number of MOUs with universities and institutions in Cuba, we have always discussed the need for more exposure of Cuban arts and culture in Fiji and broadly the Pacific,” Professor Shameem said.

She acknowledged the enthusiasm and support of Cuba’s Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency Néstor Torres, in helping bring the cultural initiative to fruition.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the University’s existing partnership with the University of Havana, established in 1728, as well as EGREM, one of Cuba’s leading music production companies.

She said these partnerships had enabled the University to maintain strong connections with Cuban academics and creative professionals following her visit to Cuba two years ago.

Professor Shameem also identified medical education and public health as important areas for further collaboration, acknowledging Cuba’s longstanding contribution to the training of medical students from Fiji.

“We are confident that our particular relationship with the medical schools in Cuba will help our own projects in public health, and they will be given a boost,” she said.

Beyond academic cooperation, the University is exploring opportunities to bring together musicians and artists from both countries through collaborative projects and cultural exchanges.

Professor Shameem revealed that work was already underway to develop a distinctive musical sound combining Fijian and Cuban influences, with two recordings celebrating the musical friendship between the countries featured on a recent jazz album.

The University also hopes to organise a music festival and explore opportunities for artists from Cuba and Fiji to participate in exchange programmes.

“Beyond music, we hope to collaborate on art projects and perhaps find a way to bring artists from Cuba to Fiji and vice versa in an exchange programme,” she said.

Reflecting on the similarities between the two nations, Professor Shameem said Fiji and Cuba shared more than geographical characteristics, pointing to their tropical climates, historical connections with the sugar industry, strong musical traditions and commitment to education.

She said the friendship developed between the University and the Cuban Embassy over the past four years could provide a foundation for wider cultural engagement between the two countries.

The occasion also provided an opportunity to launch the Cuba-Fiji Friendship Society, an initiative inviting Fijians and Cubans to build friendships and associations across the broader community.

Those interested in learning more about the Society or becoming involved can obtain further information from the Cuban Embassy in Fiji or The University of Fiji’s Enlightenment Bookshop, located at the Suva Central Campus, 1 Regal Lane, Suva.

Cuban Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency Néstor Torres, said the celebration of Cuban Culture Day represented an important expression of national identity, unity and resilience.

He explained that Cuba commemorates its National Day of Culture on 20 October each year, marking the first public singing of the Cuban National Anthem in 1868 during the country’s struggle for independence.

“Celebrating Cuban culture means remembering that spirit of unity which defines our people,” Ambassador Torres said.

Despite the economic challenges facing Cuba, the Ambassador said preserving the country’s cultural traditions remained important.

“Throughout our history, art has served as a shield during complex times, and maintaining this celebration is a tribute to the strength of our unity,” he said.

He also drew parallels between the cultural identities of Cuba and Fiji, noting the strong connection both island nations share with the sea, their traditions and their ability to overcome adversity.

“As island nations, Cuba and Fiji share a deep bond with the sea, as well as an innate capacity to overcome adversity,” he said.

The evening brought together members of the diplomatic community, academics, artists and friends of Cuba for a celebration featuring traditional Cuban music, dance and visual arts.

The programme included a performance of the traditional Cuban song Guantanamera by Fijian artist Sailasa Tora, a Cuban dance showcase by the dance couple Dalia and Osmel, and an exhibition featuring works by participating artists.

The celebration also provided an opportunity for guests to experience Cuban cultural traditions through music, interactive dance and artistic displays.

Ambassador Torres thanked The University of Fiji, the Suva Multicultural Centre and Kaushal Tappoo for their contributions towards organising the event.

Professor Shameem expressed appreciation to the Cuban Embassy for its continued encouragement and support in strengthening the University’s academic and artistic relationships with Cuban institutions.

The University of Fiji remains committed to expanding international partnerships that create opportunities for academic collaboration, cultural exchange and greater engagement between Fiji and the international community.

Photos

Oct 19

UniFiji Academic Named Among World’s Top 2% Scientists for Fourth Consecutive Year

The University of Fiji’s Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Science, Dr Ramendra Prasad, has been recognised among the world’s top 2% of scientists for the fourth consecutive year, marking another milestone in his international research career.

Dr Prasad has been included in the 2026 Stanford–Elsevier database of the world’s most-cited scientists, which recognises researchers whose scientific publications have made a significant impact within their respective fields.

His recognition falls under scientific field of Enabling and Strategic Technologies, particularly subfields of Energy and Environmental Engineering, reflecting his contributions to research in areas of growing international importance.

The University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem congratulated Dr Prasad, saying his continued recognition demonstrated the University’s ability to contribute to international scientific research.

“Such accolades are enormously appreciated by the University as they show that in the international world of academic innovation and research we are highly regarded,” Professor Shameem said.

Dr Prasad’s research interests include energy and environmental modelling and advanced data analytics, areas that contribute to scientific understanding and inform approaches to complex environmental and technological challenges.

His fourth consecutive inclusion, spanning 2023 to 2026, reflects sustained international citation recognition rather than a single year’s achievement.

The Stanford–Elsevier database draws on Elsevier’s Scopus research database and evaluates scientists using indicators including research citations, scientific influence and authorship contributions.

The 2026 edition, published on 7 October, includes separate assessments of researchers’ career-long impact and their scientific impact during 2025. Scientists qualify through their citation rankings globally or within their respective scientific subfields.

Dr Prasad said the achievement reflected the collective efforts of colleagues, mentors and research collaborators who had supported his work over the years.

“Being recognised among the world’s top 2% of scientists for the fourth consecutive year is a humbling honour, but meaningful research is always a collective achievement,” he said.

“I am deeply grateful to The University of Fiji, my colleagues, mentors and collaborators in Fiji and around the world. This milestone belongs to everyone who has challenged, encouraged and inspired me along the way. Ultimately, I hope our collective work continues to make a meaningful difference to people, communities and our shared future.”

The latest recognition highlights the contribution of academics at The University of Fiji to international research and the importance of strengthening research partnerships that connect Fiji with the wider scientific community.

The 2026 Stanford–Elsevier database can be accessed at:

https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/9

Oct 19

University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Raises Serious Drafting Concerns Over Constitution Bill No. 32 of 2026

The University of Fiji’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem told the Constitutional Review Special Committee that Constitution Bill No 32 of 2026 contained an unbelievable number of drafting errors and internal inconsistencies that could have been eliminated with proper checks and proofreading prior to the Bill being released to the public.

‘Some inconsistencies in the Bill are so grave they affect the purpose and content of the proposed legislation’, she said. Professor Shameem provided the Special Committee with a four page list consisting of almost 100 sections containing grammatical, spelling and typographical errors, as well as contradictory clauses, cross-referencing mistakes, and evidence of disjunction between the wording of the clauses and the explanatory notes.

Professor Shameem said that these fundamental errors defied the three principles of legislative drafting, namely, plain and clear language, internal consistency, and evidence of clear policy intent. She said the massive drafting deficit showed that the vacant position of parliamentary draftsperson clearly needed to be filled before the Bill was taken through any other process, particularly the National Referendum. ‘We all need to understand what this Bill is about and, currently, everyone appears confused about the meaning and intent of many provisions’.

Professor Shameem pointed out that, in particular, there was significant variance between clauses 112, 138, 144 and several others and their corresponding explanatory notes. Furthermore, sections 26 (4) (d), 80 (5), 116 (6) and at least 10 other sections were so confusing that the clauses were rendered meaningless.

She said that, I secondly, another problem was the Bill’s inconsistency with international human rights law. For example, section 40 (1) (e), referring to ‘chastisement’ of children could represent a breach of Fiji’s commitment to the Child Rights Convention in Articles 19, 28 (2) and 37 (a). This was because there was no definition of chastisement in the Bill. ‘Chastisement could be a euphemism for anything, including assault of a child’, she said.

Furthermore, section 154 apparently split state sovereignty, a development not previously experienced in Fiji and clearly would be a matter of grave concern for those who think state sovereignty is indivisible unless successionism is proposed. At this point other factors like taxpayers’ opinions would become relevant, especially in view of the rest of Chapter 9 in reference to Rotuma, she said.

Professor Shameem said she had earlier told the Constitution Review Commission that a supreme and entrenched Constitution was not necessarily needed in Fiji due to the instability caused by previous Constitutions as no one could agree uniformly on what a Fijian Constitution should contain.

However, she had been convinced by her Constitutional Law class that a public good Constitution fair to all could be drafted, which they had done and the University had adopted their draft as one that would bring about the change and inclusivity that young people wanted. These students were present for the University’s submissions to the Special Committee and Professor Shameem gave the Committee a QR Code containing the students’ draft Constitution. She requested the Committee to consider the students’ draft carefully in view of the fundamental drafting deficiencies in the Government’s Bill No 32.

She said Bill No 32 had already given cause for concern among many people, no less the RFMF whose commander had expressed unease with the immunity clause, calling it ‘a mark of impunity’. Similarly, others had pointed to what they said were clauses inflicting discrimination between different communities.

Professor Shameem said that if her students, all of them eligible to vote in the next elections as part of the key voting demogaphic between 19 and 40 years of age, could produce a clear, consistent, public good Constitution which gave no special privileges or favours to anyone and respected all Fijians equally, there was no reason why the State, with all the resources at its disposal, could not.

Oct 13

UniFiji Press Club highlights billion-dollar deep-sea mining risks

Unless the Pacific Island states were properly briefed about the benefits and pitfalls of deep-sea mining investment by foreign companies, they could risk their sovereignty over the oceans and may even face enormous legal battles with potential for unaffordable claims made against them by these companies.

This was stated by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem in response to a seminar by eminent law academic, Professor Jane Kelsey at the University last week.

The seminar, “Undermining Sovereignty: De-Risking the Pacific from Investor-State Dispute Settlement in Deep Sea Mining.” was hosted by the University of Fiji Journalism and Media Press Club. Professor Kelsey said Pacific countries were facing difficult decisions as governments and companies sought greater access to resources on the ocean floor. However, while some Pacific states had adopted moratoriums on deep-sea mining, others were partnering in exploration and had shares in companies that had invested in mining precious metals and other materials.

Professor Kelsey said the risks went beyond environmental and social impacts and could extend to legal agreements that restricted governments from changing laws, taxes, permits and other regulatory requirements.

She said Investor-State Dispute Settlement, or ISDS, could allow foreign investors to bring claims against governments through international arbitration rather than domestic courts.

Professor Kelsey said this could create a “regulatory chill”, where governments backed away from measures in the public interest because of the threat of costly legal action.

“A threat by an investor to bring a dispute, or even officials warning a government that if you do something you could face a dispute, may get the government to back off from doing something that is absolutely essential,” she said.

She said the average ISDS claim in 2023 was about US$1.1 billion, a significant risk for smaller Pacific economies.

Professor Kelsey said Pacific states could be exposed through bilateral investment treaties, contracts with mining companies, sponsorship agreements linked to the International Seabed Authority and domestic seabed mining legislation.

She identified Fiji among Pacific countries with domestic legislation containing similar investor protections and international arbitration provisions.

The University of Fiji Head of Corporate Services and former Tuvalu Finance Minister Mr Seve Paeniu said deep-sea mining remained one of the most controversial issues in the Pacific.

He said some Pacific states supported a moratorium until environmental, social and economic impacts were better understood, while others saw deep-sea mining as a possible new source of revenue.

Mr Paeniu said Tuvalu had previously been approached over deep-sea mining but the government in which he served later decided to stop the permit application process.

“We felt that there was insufficient scientific information available to enable us to move forward on deep-sea mining,” he said.

Professor Kelsey said governments needed to carefully review legal arrangements before commercial deep-sea mining advanced further.

She said stronger safeguards were needed to protect governments’ ability to regulate in the public interest.

The lecture formed part of The University of Fiji’s Press Club series, which brings together academics, policymakers, media and the wider public to discuss major national and regional issues.