Executive Leadership Course Reinforces U.S.- Fiji Ties and Regional Security Collaboration
The Executive Public Leadership Course was officially launched today at the Fiji National University’s Nasinu Campus by the Prime Minister and Minister responsible for FNU, Honourable Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka. The occasion also marked a historic milestone for the University, as it was the Prime Minister’s first official visit to FNU since the institution transitioned to operate under the Office of the Prime Minister.
The Executive Public Leadership Course is a strategic educational initiative that builds on the State Partnership Programme between the U.S. state of Nevada’s National Guard and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), established in 2019. The course brings world-class leadership education to military and civilian leaders from Nevada and Fiji and is being conducted at FNU’s Nasinu Campus from 15 to 26 June.
Facilitated by subject matter experts from both Nevada and Fiji, the programme offers a rich exchange of perspectives and best practices that will benefit both American and Fijian participants.
Developed to meet rigorous academic standards while addressing real-world leadership challenges, the course accommodates up to 40 participants, including officers from the RFMF and RFMF Territorial Forces, members of the Nevada National Guard, and leaders from Fijian government ministries and organisations spanning corrections, defence, agriculture, education, and police services.
Upon successful completion of the two-week programme, participants will be awarded a Certificate in Executive Public Leadership.
Prime Minister and Minister responsible for FNU, Honourable Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka addressed the participants and guests during the official launch of the Executive Public Leadership Course at the Nasinu Campus.
Prime Minister, Honourable Rabuka in his address highlighted the Course is framed within the broader context of Fiji’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“This programme is both timely and necessary as it reflects the growing importance of preparing leaders who can navigate complexity, drive reform, and deliver results in an increasingly demanding public service environment. The Fiji National University plays a critical role in strengthening national leadership capability. The University contributes meaningfully to bridge the interface between theory and practice, ensuring that leadership development is both grounded and relevant to the realities of governance. This approach strengthens the capability of public institutions by fostering a more considered, evidence-based, and outcomes-oriented leadership culture,” Honourable Rabuka explained.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba welcomed and introduced Prime Minister and Minister responsible for FNU, Honourable Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka at the official launch of the Executive Public Leadership Course at the Nasinu Campus.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba while welcoming the Prime Minister said that FNU is committed to developing leaders who are knowledgeable, ethical, adaptable, and future-focused.
“We recognise that the future of our nation will depend greatly on the quality of leadership within our institutions, communities, and public service. At FNU, we believe that leadership is one of the most important investments a nation can make. Strong communities, effective institutions, and sustainable development all depend on capable leaders who are prepared to navigate complexity while remaining grounded in the needs of the people they serve.”
Chargé d’Affaires John Degory shared his insightful remarks at the official launch of the Executive Public Leadership Course at the Nasinu Campus.
Chargé d’Affaires John Degory noted that this class comes at a historic moment: “As the United States celebrates 250 years of Independence this year, we reflect not only on our founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and freedom, but look forward to building a future with even stronger partnerships across the Blue Pacific that the United States and Fiji call home. This leadership course embodies the forward-looking, optimistic spirit of the U.S.-Fiji relationship and will foster even greater cooperation between our nations in the future.”
Following this initial pilot program, the Executive Public Leadership Course will run twice annually, alternating between Fiji and Nevada, beginning in 2027. This reciprocal arrangement fosters understanding of U.S. values and institutions while developing deep, strategic ties between the U.S. and Fijian militaries.
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