The Minister for Education, Honourable Aseri Radrodro pledged his support for events that promote leadership development in Fiji’s educational system during the opening of a leadership conference at the Fiji National University (FNU) this week.

Held at the Natabua Campus in Lautoka, the Honourable Minister was the Chief Guest at the four-day inaugural Fiji National University Students’ Association (FNUSA) and Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Conference opening.

Honourable Radrodro was joined by the FNU Chancellor and Council Chair, Mr Semesa Druavesi Karavaki, members of the FNU Council, the Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, FNU Senior Leadership Team (SLT) members, the FNUSA National President, Mohammed Iqbal, student leaders and staff.

The Minister, in his opening address, commended the FNU Council for having such a core and timely conference that aimed at upskilling and preparing young leaders for the world.

“We must expect from you leaders to be committed to building an environment of hope, of growth, of learning from others and sharing the best that we each can share so that our values are enhanced, our natural resources are utilised to capacity, and our traditional knowledge are nurtured,” he said.

“When discussing leadership, we must not shy away from learning from Fiji’s past history, where political upheavals had become a part of our existence.”

He encouraged the student leaders to also talk about issues faced by Fiji so that it may encourage young people and address unspoken thoughts.

“I will expect you to discuss employment challenges and how we as young people can encourage solutions for those. I will expect you to discuss good community values. I will expect you to discuss nation-building initiatives and how we can, as a people, advance and develop our natural resources further without harming our natural habitats,” he added.

FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nabobo-Baba added that the Leadership Conference was predominantly about the FNU’s various student leaders discussing and developing strategic plans and activities that would allow them to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

“The FNU is also entrusted to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – or UNSDGs – through its learning, teaching and research. With this, we aim to address the 17 key global issues that are inter-connected, the majority of which are relevant to the fundamental operations of the FNU,” said Professor Nabobo-Baba.

“We are committed to working with all students, staff and stakeholders to train our students with sustainability embedded in our programmes.”

FNUSA National President, Mr Mohammed Iqbal said they were fruitful and relevant discussions held during the conference.

“I am certain that positive outcomes will be delivered following the four days conference,” he said.

The conference concludes today. The Honourable Minister was also accorded a traditional welcome ceremony, with entertainment provided by the FNU Natabua Campus choir.