Fiji retains key regional leadership role

Fiji will continue to lead regional efforts in civil registration and vital statistics after being re-elected Chair of the Asia and the Pacific Regional Steering Group for the 2026–2030 term. This appointment, endorsed during the group's meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, underscores Fiji's sustained commitment to enhancing civil registration systems across the region.

Since 2015, Fiji has chaired the Regional Steering Group, spearheading reforms aimed at ensuring individuals are legally recognized through robust civil registration systems. Permanent Secretary for Justice Selina Kuruleca highlighted significant progress over the past decade, including improvements in registration services, increased digitalization, and better accessibility. However, she acknowledged that challenges persist in reaching remote and vulnerable populations.

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Fiji has chaired the Regional Steering Group since 2015 and has helped drive reforms to ensure people are legally recognised through effective civil registration systems.

Civil Registration and Vital Statistics systems are crucial for recording births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. They provide essential legal identity documentation and generate critical data that informs government planning and service delivery. As Chair, Fiji will collaborate with regional partners and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

Their collective goal is to advance the objective of establishing universal and resilient civil registration systems by 2030. This renewed leadership position for Fiji signifies its ongoing importance in promoting foundational governance and data collection mechanisms within the Asia-Pacific region.

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improved registration services, greater digitalisation and stronger accessibility, while noting that challenges remain in reaching remote and vulnerable communities.