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🇫🇯 Fiji /Culture & Society

Nationwide Consultations Shape Fiji’s New Ageing Policy

From FBC News · (6m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Fiji has developed a Draft National Ageing Policy 2026–2035 following extensive nationwide consultations.
  • Over 1,700 people participated in over 100 consultation sessions, including older persons, government ministries, and service providers.
  • The policy focuses on six key priority areas: social protection, health, accessibility, digital inclusion, infrastructure, and legal protection.

Fiji is taking a significant step forward in ensuring the well-being of its senior citizens with the development of its Draft National Ageing Policy 2026–2035. This policy is not just a government document; it is a testament to the inclusive spirit of our nation, shaped by the voices and experiences of over 1,700 Fijians from across the country. Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has rightly emphasized the structured and inclusive approach taken, beginning with key stakeholders and expanding to communities in all four divisions and 15 districts.

The policy was developed through a structured and inclusive approach following its launch on 23rd February this year.

— Sashi KiranMinister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran explaining the process of developing the National Ageing Policy.

What makes this policy particularly noteworthy from a Fijian perspective is the genuine effort to incorporate the lived realities of our older population. The over 100 consultation sessions provided a vital platform for elders to share their challenges and aspirations, ensuring that the policy addresses systemic issues and offers long-term solutions. This is not a top-down decree; it is a collaborative effort that reflects our cultural value of respecting and caring for our elders.

consultations first began with Government ministries, service providers and key stakeholders to align priorities before expanding to communities across all four divisions and 15 districts.

— Sashi KiranMinister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran detailing the scope of the consultation process.

The six key priority areas—social protection, health, accessibility, digital inclusion, infrastructure, and legal protection—demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted needs of an ageing population. As FBC News reports, the policy aims to be practical and forward-looking, a crucial element in a rapidly changing world. This initiative positions Fiji as a leader in the Pacific, proactively addressing the demographic shifts and ensuring that our older citizens can live with dignity and security.

over 100 consultation sessions were held, allowing older persons to share their lived experiences, challenges and aspirations.

— Sashi KiranMinister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran highlighting the participation of older persons in shaping the policy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by FBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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