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The University of Fiji commemorated World Environment Day 2026 by planting indigenous and ecologically significant tree species across its Saweni, Suva and Levuka campuses, reaffirming its commitment to climate action, environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Guided by this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Climate Action”, and campaign slogan, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”, the initiative was organised by the School of Science and Technology to promote environmental responsibility and strengthen climate resilience within the University community.

The tree planting programme was conducted simultaneously across all three University campuses. At the Saweni Campus, Vesi (Intsia bijuga) and Christmas Tree (Delonix regia) saplings were planted, while the Suva Campus planted Kaudamu (Mysristica Spp) trees. At the Levuka Campus, Baka (Ficus species) saplings were planted. These species were selected for their ecological, cultural and environmental significance and their ability to support biodiversity conservation and climate resilience in Fiji.

Speaking during the event, Chief Guest Mr. Elimi Rokoduru, Divisional Planning Officer West, commended the University for taking proactive steps towards environmental sustainability.

“Today’s tree planting activity goes beyond beautifying our campuses. It represents a tangible investment in environmental conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development. The saplings planted today may appear small, but over time they will provide substantial environmental benefits and serve as living symbols of our commitment to sustainability,” he said.

Mr. Rokoduru highlighted the growing environmental challenges faced by Fiji and the wider Pacific region, including climate change, sea-level rise, coastal erosion and biodiversity loss, and emphasised the important role educational institutions play in promoting environmental awareness and action.

Executive Director Human Resources, Mr. Ashneel Singh, said World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the natural environment.
“Environmental stewardship cannot be confined to a single day on the calendar. The true measure of our commitment lies not in the speeches we deliver, but in the actions, we take every day. Sustainability must become part of our institutional culture and be reflected in how we manage resources, reduce waste, conserve energy and engage with our communities,” said Mr. Singh.

He added that universities have a crucial role in developing environmentally responsible graduates and advancing research and innovation that address environmental challenges facing Fiji, the Pacific and the wider world.

Head of the Department of Science, Dr. Ramendra Sharma, said the initiative demonstrates the University’s commitment to transforming environmental awareness into meaningful action.

“Guided by this year’s theme, this tree planting initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. By planting indigenous and ecologically significant tree species across our campuses, we are investing in a greener future while contributing to carbon sequestration, ecosystem restoration and environmental education,” said Dr. Sharma.

He added that universities play a critical role in preparing future leaders to address complex environmental challenges through education, research and community engagement.

The initiative aligns with the University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on climate action, life on land and sustainable communities. As the trees mature, they will contribute to carbon sequestration, biodiversity restoration, improved campus green spaces and environmental sustainability.

The University of Fiji continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental stewardship through its academic offerings, including the Bachelor of Environmental Science programme and postgraduate studies in Environmental Science, Energy and Environment. These programmes equip students with the knowledge and skills required to address environmental challenges and contribute towards building resilient and sustainable island communities.

As the University community celebrated World Environment Day 2026, participants were reminded that meaningful environmental change begins with individual and collective action. The trees planted across the three campuses will serve as lasting symbols of hope, resilience and the shared responsibility of protecting Fiji’s natural environment for future generations.

In making submissions to the Law Reform Commission on the Mining Act 1965, the University of Fiji said that state sovereignty over natural resources was an international legal principle that had been adopted in Fiji by way of both the 1997 and 2013 Constitutions. In Fiji this meant state sovereignty over minerals.Mining Act 

The international legal principle of state sovereignty over all natural resources was enshrined in the UN Declaration of Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources and had been approved by the UN General Assembly in its Resolution 1803. It was reflected both in section 186 of the 1997 Constitution and section 30 of the 2013 Constitution.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem said that the foundational principle of the Declaration was that the state had sovereignty over all the natural assets, including any minerals found within the jurisdiction of the state. The state had the responsibility to manage these resources in the interest of national development and the well-being of the people. In Fiji, where those natural resources were minerals, section 30 of the 2013 Constitution, which is identical to section 186 of the 1997 Constitution, obligated the state to fairly share any royalties it earned through extraction of the minerals with the customary or freehold owners of any land or water where the minerals were found.

Professor Shameem said that, constitutionally, the proportion in which any royalties are shared is based on a number of factors, namely, any benefits of extraction received or may be received by the owner; the risk of environmental damage; any cost of repairing or compensating for environmental damage that will be funded by the state; the cost to the state of administering exploration or exploitation rights, and any contribution to the general revenue of the state made by the person granted exploration or exploitation rights.

Specifically for environmental compensation, the cost of implementing the Environment Management Act 2005 enacted during the term of the Qarase Government, as amended by the 2025 Act, served as the blueprint for reparation in the national interest for mining activities, she said. “The Act covers activities where environment damage can occur due to mineral extraction and establishes a range of agencies for monitoring extraction activities such as a Council, Tribunal and Units as well as a Register”. Managing just this aspect of state responsibility for its sovereignty over mineral extraction would be a significant cost to public revenue and the question is whether the current fraction of royalties going to the state allows adequate environmental protection and longer term benefits for the next generations, particularly in relation to climate crisis, she said. The current distribution of 20% royalties to the state may not permit sufficient and robust protection of Fiji’s environment so that future generations can benefit.

Professor Shameem said that the UN Declaration on Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources was a decolonization commitment linked to the right to development of newly independent nations such as Fiji. The Declaration empowered all new states to use their natural resources, including minerals found within their territorial jurisdiction, for the benefit of all its citizens and for future generations. While the land and areas of the sea may be subject to either customary or freehold ownership, the minerals found and extracted in any state territory belonged to the state which exercised its responsibility on behalf of everyone.  Whatever earned by the state as its share of royalties had to be enough for that state to be able to afford to exercise its responsibility as a public and inter-generational duty.

Professor Shameem said the new Mining Act should also include provisions on deep sea and seabed mining, as well as remove the extent of discretionary power vested only in certain public officials, introduce stronger enforcement provisions, and modernise the regulatory framework to incorporate changes in mining practices in the 21st century including in health and safety.

She said that the 20th and 21st centuries had witnessed massive changes in the mining sector, with technology, safety and environment issues at the forefront of civil society concern and any legislation pertaining specifically to the sector had to ensure not only compliance with the Constitution of Fiji but also with international jurisprudence on state responsibility to protect.

1965 University of Fiji Submissions Final

The University of Fiji has reaffirmed its commitment to leadership development and inclusive democratic participation through the contribution of one of its academics to a national training programme aimed at strengthening women’s leadership and media engagement.

University of Fiji Law Lecturer and Director of Special Projects, Mrs. Sainiana Waqainabete Radrodro, was invited by Balance of Power (BOP) as one of several facilitators for a training programme on “Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Media Engagement for Inclusive Elections” held at the BOP Office in Flagstaff, Suva.

The training brought together women community leaders from across Fiji, identified through the Fiji Council of Social Services, and featured a range of facilitators and resource persons from government, media and civil society organizations.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the expertise of our staff means the University is often invited by stakeholders to provide deep insights into significant areas of public life, in this case about women’s leadership due to upcoming local and national elections in Fiji.

“Our emphasis is values, because of the human values foundation of the University. This workshop gave an opportunity to our colleague, Ms Radrodro, to underscore women’s leadership from that holistic perspective.”

During her two sessions, Mrs. Radrodro focused on developing clear, values-based messages aligned with community priorities and the importance of ethical leadership in public life.

In her opening session on “Developing clear, values-based messages aligned with community priorities”, Mrs. Radrodro reminded participants that leadership is not about gender but about values.

“In a male-dominated society, women must frame leadership around values, not gender. When women lead with respect and resilience, they redefine strength.”

She urged participants to see national service as a calling at the highest level of governance, stressing that campaign messages must speak directly to Fiji’s deepest challenges.

Mrs. Radrodro noted that voters often feel abandoned after elections when politicians disappear from communities. She emphasized that ethical leadership demands listening, understanding and addressing the real needs of the people.

“Leadership means being seen, questioned, and sometimes criticized. This is not weakness, it is the weight of responsibility. True leaders meet scrutiny with confidence, courage, and hard work, leaving little room for doubt.”

Mrs. Radrodro also encouraged women to embrace public scrutiny as proof that people are paying attention.

“Respond with facts. Stay calm. Use criticism as feedback. Transparency builds trust and strengthens leadership. Values are your compass, they steady you under pressure and remind voters why they can trust you.”

She further highlighted the importance of values-driven leadership in Fiji’s democratic future.

“Unity, integrity, and resilience are not just ideals, they are the heartbeat of Fiji. Integrity fights corruption, fairness champions education, unity celebrates our diversity, and resilience honors our survival through hardship. These values define us, and they must define our leaders.”

The training was delivered in collaboration with Women in Media and BBC Media Action.

The University of Fiji extends its best wishes to all women candidates in the upcoming elections and looks forward to stronger women’s representation in Parliament.

The University of Fiji has reaffirmed its commitment to leadership development and inclusive democratic participation through the contribution of one of its academics to a national training programme aimed at strengthening women’s leadership and media engagement.

University of Fiji Law Lecturer and Director of Special Projects, Mrs. Sainiana Waqainabete Radrodro, was invited by Balance of Power (BOP) as one of several facilitators for a training programme on “Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Media Engagement for Inclusive Elections” held at the BOP Office in Flagstaff, Suva.

The training brought together women community leaders from across Fiji, identified through the Fiji Council of Social Services, and featured a range of facilitators and resource persons from government, media and civil society organizations.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the expertise of our staff means the University is often invited by stakeholders to provide deep insights into significant areas of public life, in this case about women’s leadership due to upcoming local and national elections in Fiji.

“Our emphasis is values, because of the human values foundation of the University. This workshop gave an opportunity to our colleague, Ms Radrodro, to underscore women’s leadership from that holistic perspective.”

During her two sessions, Mrs. Radrodro focused on developing clear, values-based messages aligned with community priorities and the importance of ethical leadership in public life.

In her opening session on “Developing clear, values-based messages aligned with community priorities”, Mrs. Radrodro reminded participants that leadership is not about gender but about values.

“In a male-dominated society, women must frame leadership around values, not gender. When women lead with respect and resilience, they redefine strength.”

She urged participants to see national service as a calling at the highest level of governance, stressing that campaign messages must speak directly to Fiji’s deepest challenges.

Mrs. Radrodro noted that voters often feel abandoned after elections when politicians disappear from communities. She emphasized that ethical leadership demands listening, understanding and addressing the real needs of the people.

“Leadership means being seen, questioned, and sometimes criticized. This is not weakness, it is the weight of responsibility. True leaders meet scrutiny with confidence, courage, and hard work, leaving little room for doubt.”

Mrs. Radrodro also encouraged women to embrace public scrutiny as proof that people are paying attention.

“Respond with facts. Stay calm. Use criticism as feedback. Transparency builds trust and strengthens leadership. Values are your compass, they steady you under pressure and remind voters why they can trust you.”

She further highlighted the importance of values-driven leadership in Fiji’s democratic future.

“Unity, integrity, and resilience are not just ideals, they are the heartbeat of Fiji. Integrity fights corruption, fairness champions education, unity celebrates our diversity, and resilience honors our survival through hardship. These values define us, and they must define our leaders.”

The training was delivered in collaboration with Women in Media and BBC Media Action.

The University of Fiji extends its best wishes to all women candidates in the upcoming elections and looks forward to stronger women’s representation in Parliament.

The University of Fiji is commemorating Ratu Sukuna Memorial Day with innovative activities designed not only to recall Ratu Sukuna’s importance but also to showcase the diverse talents of UniFiji staff and students in appreciating his legacy.

The University has released an original song about Ratu Sukuna composed by its Music Director Sailasa Tora and produced by Simi Rova called ‘Ancient Lands and the Superstar’, set to a smooth jazz rhythm.

The single has its own cover and will be included in the UniFiji Jazz compilation to be released in June. The song is being dropped on the University of Fiji’s Vox Populi Radio Station on Thursday to start off the University’s Ratu Sukuna Day programme.

Other activities include a pictorial exhibition of Ratu Sukuna’s life from childhood to his war years with the French Foreign Legion and the Statesman period.

The Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said that the exhibition would be simultaneously launched on all three campuses of the University. “Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna was a friend of one of the stalwarts of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Pundit Vishnu Deo, and both leaders believed in the liberating power of education; hence it is fitting that the Saweni Campus exhibition is being displayed in our Pundit Vishnu Deo Memorial Hall,” she said.

The Levuka Campus exhibition is held at University House, Fiji’s first Governor Sir Arthur Gordron’s former residence, also appropriate, Professor Shameem said.

A video of Ratu Sukuna’s importance to young people, filmed by the University’s Centre for iTaukei Studies, will also be shown at all three campuses.

Students have organised speeches and commentary and the Students Association has taken responsibility for refreshments for the day.

Professor Shameem said that the University’s community and public good responsibility included an appreciation of Ratu Sukuna’s effective leadership style that has endured over time, setting standards and benchmarks for the next generations.