UK government invests in Fijian leaders

News Desk: The Pacific Regional Strategic Leadership Programme, a week-long virtual UK-funded training course at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour, concluded on 26 November 2021.

The course aims to enhance strategic leadership across the public sector. Fijian participants came from over 10 parts of government, including Fiji Police Force, Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Ministry of Defence Security and Policing.

Trainers from the Defence Academy of the UK led the training, assisted by facilitators from the British Army Support Office, Fiji Ministry of Defence, Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the British High Commission.

Participants spent the week developing key leaderships skills, including:

• different styles and types of leadership
• the importance of self-awareness
• significance of cultural differences
• ethical issues
• decision making

Those completing the programme were awarded a qualification by Cranfield University.

Reflecting on the week, British Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji, Mr Paul Welsh, said:

Leadership doesn’t come with a step by step manual. Much of it is based on experience and learning through trial and error. I hope that the programme has helped participants to consider what leadership style works best for them and that they will use their newly acquired knowledge in support of Fiji’s interests.

Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Defence, National Security and Policing, Mr Manasa Lesuma, said the strategic leadership programme aimed to develop more capable leaders with a broadened perspective and a greater understanding of strategic thinking and decision-making, as well as personal insight around their leadership style.

This course followed up on strategic leadership training that the UK government delivered in Fiji in 2020.