By Monika Singh

Assistant Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts Shalen Kumar has called for stronger efforts to build social cohesion in Fiji, warning that unity must be deliberately nurtured to safeguard the country’s long-term development and stability.

Responding to the President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s address at the opening of Parliament for the 2026-2027 session last week, Mr Kumar said Fiji’s diversity remained its greatest strength, but maintaining harmony among communities required sustained commitment from leaders, institutions and citizens.

“His Excellency reminded us that our diversity is our strength and that unity must be consciously built. This message is extremely important for a country like Fiji where people of many cultures, religions, and traditions live together as one nation.”

He said Fiji was fortunate to be a peaceful nation in a world experiencing conflict and instability, pointing to ongoing tensions in regions such as Ukraine and parts of the Middle East as reminders of the importance of maintaining harmony at home.

Mr Kumar said the work of the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts was closely aligned with the national vision outlined in the President’s speech.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that every community in Fiji feels respected, valued and included in our national journey.”

He highlighted that social cohesion does not occur automatically but must be developed through dialogue, inclusive policies and community engagement.

Mr Kumar said social cohesion in Fiji should no longer be viewed solely through the lens of relations between the iTaukei and Indo-Fijian communities, as changing demographics and political dynamics meant tensions could also arise within ethnic groups.

In his address the Assistant Minister also cited the views of Associate Professor Shailendra Singh, a leading researcher on media and social cohesion in Fiji.

Dr Singh had pointed out that development cannot be sustained without social cohesion.

Mr Kumar quoted the work of Dr Singh who had mentioned that any future framework must take the intra-ethnic and political dynamics into account and it must be both visionary and forward-looking; otherwise, it risks becoming redundant very quickly.

He commended the role of the government and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s role in emphasizing social cohesion and positioning it at the top of the national agenda.

In his Parliamentary address last week, Mr Rabuka said Ratu Naiqama had reminded us that unity, long-term planning and shared responsibility must guide our nation’s journey.

Meanwhile Mr Kumar also noted that Fiji’s political instability in past decades had cost the country an estimated $5 billion in lost development, highlighting the economic consequences of social division.

He further highlighted grassroots initiatives aimed at strengthening unity, including the Ministry’s Multi-Ethnic Affairs Grant Programme, which supports community development projects such as water systems, solar installations and facility upgrades.

More than 1000 applications were received for the programme this year, reflecting strong community interest. Funding for the initiative has been increased to $2 million, up from the previous financial year. “These projects may seem small individually, but together they create a powerful impact,” Mr Kumar said.

“They bring people together, encourage cooperation and strengthen relationships across ethnic and religious communities.”

Mr Kumar also outlined cultural initiatives aimed at promoting national unity, including heritage preservation programmes and preparations for the annual Girmit Day commemorations.

Plans are also in progress to digitise more than 60,000 Girmit records and establish a dedicated museum to preserve this history for future generations.

Mr Kumar urged leaders and the public to promote responsible discourse, particularly on social media, warning those divisive narratives could undermine the nation’s unity.

“As leaders, we must ensure that our words and actions strengthen unity rather than create division.”

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to fostering dialogue, preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusive development to strengthen Fiji’s social fabric. “Fiji’s strength lies in the harmony of its people,” Mr Kumar said.

This article was first published on Wansolwara News and has been republished with permission.

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