Students representing their island nations at FNU’s CMNHS Flag Raising Ceremony

The Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) reaffirmed its commitment to fostering unity in diversity and cultivating cultural competence during a vibrant flag raising ceremony yesterday.

The event was hosted at FNU’s Pasifika Campus as part of the college’s multicultural week celebration.

Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, the Samoa High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency, Honourable Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia, delivered a deeply moving address that celebrated the Pacific’s rich cultural heritage while calling for greater recognition of the power of diversity in shaping a more inclusive future.

Chief Guest, the Samoa High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency, Honourable Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia

“Diversity does not divide us, it strengthens us,” the High Commissioner declared.

“While our languages may differ and our customs may vary, we all have in common family, respect and community. These shared values are the true spirit of diversity.”

His address echoed the very essence of FNU’s vision as encapsulated under Strategic Priority Area 1 in the university’s Strategic Plan 2024-2026, Inclusiveness and Diversity – People, Place and Cultures. At CMNHS, where future health professionals are trained to serve in multicultural settings across the region, cultural competence is more than a value — it is a necessity.

“Cultural competence is not just desirable, it is essential,” the High Commissioner emphasised. “It enables better communication, fosters empathy, and enhances the quality of care delivered to our diverse communities.”

He encouraged students to embrace the full spectrum of their heritage and the wider Fijian and Pacific cultural landscape during their academic journey.

“Let it be a time to discover new perspectives, form lifelong friendships, and honour your own heritage alongside the vibrant Fijian culture that surrounds us,” he said. “As future doctors, nurses, researchers, and policymakers, may you carry forward not only knowledge and technical skill, but also a spirit of cultural humility, respect and compassion. Qualities that are as vital to me as any prescription.”

Drawing on ancestral wisdom and the power of storytelling, the High Commissioner reflected on the deep value of traditional knowledge in today’s rapidly changing world.

“Our ancestors were environmental stewards, community builders and spiritual leaders. Today, as we face global challenges like climate change and cultural closures, our traditions hold wisdom that can guide our modern decisions,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of resisting stereotypes and reclaiming the true identity of Pacific peoples. “We are not just performers or island paradises. We are scholars, we are leaders, we are artists, and we are guardians of deep ancestral knowledge. Each person is more than a label, each story is more than a stereotype.”

By cultivating cultural intelligence in healthcare education and promoting intercultural exchange, FNU’s CMNHS continues to empower its students to become not only capable practitioners but also compassionate citizens of the Pacific and the world.