Fiji’s Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Risk Management Sakiasi Ditoka has hailed the Saemaul Undong (SMU) initiative as a catalyst for rural transformation, citing its positive impact in three pilot communities.
Speaking at the Saemaul Undong Ministerial Conference, Ditoka expressed Fiji’s gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea for their generosity and continued support. He said the programme was going beyond infrastructure delivery to reshape how rural Fijians viewed and led development, guided by the principles of diligence, self-help and cooperation.
“Through the Saemaul Undong programme, we are not only building facilities, but we are also strengthening community leadership, instilling financial discipline, and nurturing a culture of self-reliance. The true transformation lies in building the mindset and resilience of our people,” Ditoka said.
The minister pointed to achievements in the three pilot villages of Mau in Namosi, and Silana and Namasimasi in Tailevu. These included upgrading village halls and health facilities, developing eco-tourism ventures, constructing resilient evacuation centres, establishing cooperative income-generating projects and improving waste management, sanitation and agricultural practices.
From these pilots, he said, key lessons had emerged such as strengthening the savings culture, ensuring good governance, enhancing financial literacy and encouraging sustainable income projects. These, he stressed, were essential to building resilient, inclusive and sustainable rural development.
“As we celebrate these achievements, we must also remember that this progress has been made possible through the generosity of the Korean people. We remain committed to using this support wisely, transparently, and accountably. Mau, Silana, and Namasimasi now stand as living examples of how Saemaul Undong can be adapted and thrive in the Pacific,” Ditoka said.
On the margins of the conference, Ditoka held a bilateral meeting with the President of Saemaul Undong, Mr Kim Kwang Lim, which he described as “fruitful.” The discussions focused on expanding the SMU partnership in Fiji, particularly identifying the next group of villages to be piloted under the initiative.
The two leaders also explored capacity-building opportunities for local leaders to strengthen their understanding of SMU principles and integrate them into the Ministry’s rural development programmes and the forthcoming National Rural Development Policy. Ditoka said such alignment would ensure long-term sustainability and stronger community-led development.
“The partnership with Saemaul Undong has already demonstrated tangible benefits in Fiji’s pilot villages, and its expansion will deepen resilience, promote self-reliance and strengthen inclusive rural development across the country,” he said.
While in Korea, the minister also paid a courtesy visit to the Korean National Disaster Management Institute (NDMI). Discussions with the NDMI team centred on capacity-building opportunities, knowledge sharing in disaster management and understanding the institute’s operational framework. Ditoka said such exchanges were vital to strengthening Fiji’s disaster preparedness and resilience strategies.
He reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to deepening partnerships with Korea through initiatives that not only support rural development but also build resilience against disasters and climate risks.
