Minister for Justice Hon. Siromi Turaga Delivers Ministerial Statement at the 9th Session of the Committee on Statistics High-Level Segment

In his third and final speech on Wednesday, 11 December in Bangkok, the Minister for Justice, Hon. Siromi Turaga delivered a Ministerial Statement on Harnessing the Power of Data to Leave No One Behind.

In his remarks, the Minister reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to the “Declaration on Navigating Policy with Data to Leave No One Behind,” emphasizing a whole-of-government approach based on linking policy with data, investing in national statistical systems, and integrating statistical offices.

Fiji plans to reform outdated laws like the Statistics Act 1961 and the Births Death Marriages Registration Act 1975, as well  develop a National Population Policy. The government is improving data registration and inter-ministry coordination while advancing legal and technical frameworks for data privacy and security.

The Minister called for stronger technical and financial support from development partners to address resource limitations faced by Pacific Island states.

Highlighting the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent, the Minister advocated for inclusive technology, data sovereignty, and partnerships to drive sustainable development, “the need for a well-connected region that ensures inclusive, affordable and accessible air, sea and land transport and ICT technology infrastructure and services. Technology and infrastructure are often unaffordable, inaccessible, and difficult to maintain. The adoption of new and emerging sustainable digital technologies requires effective partnerships and appropriate regional regulatory arrangements that respect the region’s shared values.”

The Minister reaffirmed that for Fiji,  “to achieve our vision, strengthening institutions and governance is key. Institutional and governance reforms are being undertaken to increase transparency, integrity and accountability. Data gathering and analytics must also be strengthened to support effective delivery and monitoring of Government programmes.”

The address concluded with a call for Pacific Island states to lead reforms with external support, underscoring, “Nothing about us, without us.”