Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
09/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/10/2025 23:49
DEPUTY PM HON. VILIAME GAVOKA'S KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE NATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY COMMITTEE...
Ni sa bula vinaka and warm greetings to you all.
It is my honour to be here this morning to officially open the National Civil Aviation Security Committee and the National Facilitation Committee meetings.
I am pleased to have this opportunity to offer a few words to underscore the importance of these committees and the work ahead of you. Your presence here today signals a renewed commitment to strengthening Fiji's aviation system - one that is safe, secure, compliant, and forward- looking.
This gathering is long overdue, particularly given the rapid evolution of the global aviation environment. We face new and complex threats, from cyber-attacks and unmanned aerial systems to the misuse of artificial intelligence. In this context, national coordination becomes even more critical. These committees are the platform for that coordination bringing together the government agencies, the regulatory authority, industry operators, border control entities, and law enforcement. As we begin, I would like to briefly reflect on the significance of today's date, September 11.
It is indeed a coincidence that we are meeting on this day, but perhaps a meaningful one. September 11, 2001, stands as one of the most pivotal moments in aviation history.
The tragic attacks of 2001 forever changed the face of aviation and demonstrated in the most devastating way - what can happen when vulnerabilities are exploited.
Today, nearly 25 years on, we are still guided by the lessons of that day. It is a timely and powerful reminder of why the work you undertake here is so important, to ensure that our skies remain safe, and that such tragedies are never repeated. Let us honour the memory of that day by strengthening our resolve to ensure that Fiji's skies remain safe and secure, our systems resilient, and our people protected.
As a contracting State to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Fiji is obligated to comply with international standards set out in Annex 17 (Aviation Security) and Annex 9 (Facilitation). These standards are not optional; they are vital instruments to safeguard civil aviation and facilitate seamless, secure travel worldwide. Non-compliance to these international standards is not without consequence. It could lead to Fiji being assessed as a high-risk destination, which would significantly affect our tourism industry and our already fragile economy. Therefore, we cannot, and must not allow this to happen.
Ladies and gentlemen, every agency represented here has a distinct responsibility. Whether you come from border agencies, aviation operators, law enforcement, or regulatory bodies, you are part of the mechanism that safeguards the integrity of our aviation system. Collaboration is not optional, it is essential.
On that note, I wish to highlight an area of priority for the Government: the implementation of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems. These advanced tools are essential for identifying and managing cross-border threats by enabling timely access to passenger data, which supports risk assessment and security screening.
This initiative directly aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014), which requires Member States to ensure that all airlines operating in their territories provide API to appropriate national authorities to detect and prevent the travel of foreign terrorist fighters.
Furthermore, Resolution 2396 (2017) builds upon this by calling on States to develop the capability to collect, process, and analyze PNR data in accordance with international standards, ensuring its use by competent national authorities to enhance security measures, while fully respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
With support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and other development partners, Fiji is working towards integrating these standards into national laws and frameworks, demonstrating our commitment to strengthening aviation security and combating global threats.
Beyond security, Facilitation also plays a vital role. A well- functioning aviation system must balance the need for robust security with the efficient movement of passengers, goods, and aircraft.
The recent ICAO Facilitation Conference held in Doha in April 2025 highlighted the critical role of innovative solutions such as digital processing and biometric technologies in modernizing aviation facilitation. Through the Doha Declaration, States committed to advancing digital identity management, enhancing passenger data exchange, and harmonizing procedures. These steps essential for creating a more efficient, resilient, and secure global aviation system. These commitments align perfectly with our shared goal of balancing robust security measures with the seamless movement of passengers, goods, and aircraft.
The implementation of innovative and technology-driven solutions can not only alleviate bottlenecks and enhance efficiency but also strengthen security measures across the aviation system.
Our aviation system is a complex ecosystem, and every agency has a role to play. This includes not only the more visible actors such as immigration, customs, law enforcement, health and quarantine, airlines, aviation security service providers, ground handlers and border control agencies, but also policy makers and government departments, cargo agencies, freight forwarders, security intelligence agencies, IT and Data management teams, emergency and crisis management units, and the regulatory authority. Your vigilance and professionalism are critical in safeguarding our aviation environment.
Ladies and gentlemen, your collaboration, through these national committees, ensures that all facets of the aviation ecosystem operate seamlessly and securely. It is this collective effort spanning from cargo and ground operations to passenger facilitation and law enforcement that maintains Fiji's reputation as a safe and secure travel destination.
Aviation is not just a mode of transport. For Fiji, it is an economic lifeline. Our tourism sector, our trade relationships, and our global connectivity all depend on the safety, security, reliability and efficiency of our aviation system.
Today's meetings is more than a formality, it is renewed call to action. A chance to address long-standing challenges, strengthen partnerships, and build a more secure future for civil aviation in Fiji.
While I will not be joining you for the full day, I encourage you to engage in open and constructive dialogue. Share your expertise, and work collectively to advance the national interest.
With that, it gives me great pleasure to officially declare the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, and the National Civil Aviation Facilitation Committee meetings open.
Vinaka vakalevu, and thank you.
It is my honour to be here this morning to officially open the National Civil Aviation Security Committee and the National Facilitation Committee meetings.
I am pleased to have this opportunity to offer a few words to underscore the importance of these committees and the work ahead of you. Your presence here today signals a renewed commitment to strengthening Fiji's aviation system - one that is safe, secure, compliant, and forward- looking.
This gathering is long overdue, particularly given the rapid evolution of the global aviation environment. We face new and complex threats, from cyber-attacks and unmanned aerial systems to the misuse of artificial intelligence. In this context, national coordination becomes even more critical. These committees are the platform for that coordination bringing together the government agencies, the regulatory authority, industry operators, border control entities, and law enforcement. As we begin, I would like to briefly reflect on the significance of today's date, September 11.
It is indeed a coincidence that we are meeting on this day, but perhaps a meaningful one. September 11, 2001, stands as one of the most pivotal moments in aviation history.
The tragic attacks of 2001 forever changed the face of aviation and demonstrated in the most devastating way - what can happen when vulnerabilities are exploited.
Today, nearly 25 years on, we are still guided by the lessons of that day. It is a timely and powerful reminder of why the work you undertake here is so important, to ensure that our skies remain safe, and that such tragedies are never repeated. Let us honour the memory of that day by strengthening our resolve to ensure that Fiji's skies remain safe and secure, our systems resilient, and our people protected.
As a contracting State to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Fiji is obligated to comply with international standards set out in Annex 17 (Aviation Security) and Annex 9 (Facilitation). These standards are not optional; they are vital instruments to safeguard civil aviation and facilitate seamless, secure travel worldwide. Non-compliance to these international standards is not without consequence. It could lead to Fiji being assessed as a high-risk destination, which would significantly affect our tourism industry and our already fragile economy. Therefore, we cannot, and must not allow this to happen.
Ladies and gentlemen, every agency represented here has a distinct responsibility. Whether you come from border agencies, aviation operators, law enforcement, or regulatory bodies, you are part of the mechanism that safeguards the integrity of our aviation system. Collaboration is not optional, it is essential.
On that note, I wish to highlight an area of priority for the Government: the implementation of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems. These advanced tools are essential for identifying and managing cross-border threats by enabling timely access to passenger data, which supports risk assessment and security screening.
This initiative directly aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014), which requires Member States to ensure that all airlines operating in their territories provide API to appropriate national authorities to detect and prevent the travel of foreign terrorist fighters.
Furthermore, Resolution 2396 (2017) builds upon this by calling on States to develop the capability to collect, process, and analyze PNR data in accordance with international standards, ensuring its use by competent national authorities to enhance security measures, while fully respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
With support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and other development partners, Fiji is working towards integrating these standards into national laws and frameworks, demonstrating our commitment to strengthening aviation security and combating global threats.
Beyond security, Facilitation also plays a vital role. A well- functioning aviation system must balance the need for robust security with the efficient movement of passengers, goods, and aircraft.
The recent ICAO Facilitation Conference held in Doha in April 2025 highlighted the critical role of innovative solutions such as digital processing and biometric technologies in modernizing aviation facilitation. Through the Doha Declaration, States committed to advancing digital identity management, enhancing passenger data exchange, and harmonizing procedures. These steps essential for creating a more efficient, resilient, and secure global aviation system. These commitments align perfectly with our shared goal of balancing robust security measures with the seamless movement of passengers, goods, and aircraft.
The implementation of innovative and technology-driven solutions can not only alleviate bottlenecks and enhance efficiency but also strengthen security measures across the aviation system.
Our aviation system is a complex ecosystem, and every agency has a role to play. This includes not only the more visible actors such as immigration, customs, law enforcement, health and quarantine, airlines, aviation security service providers, ground handlers and border control agencies, but also policy makers and government departments, cargo agencies, freight forwarders, security intelligence agencies, IT and Data management teams, emergency and crisis management units, and the regulatory authority. Your vigilance and professionalism are critical in safeguarding our aviation environment.
Ladies and gentlemen, your collaboration, through these national committees, ensures that all facets of the aviation ecosystem operate seamlessly and securely. It is this collective effort spanning from cargo and ground operations to passenger facilitation and law enforcement that maintains Fiji's reputation as a safe and secure travel destination.
Aviation is not just a mode of transport. For Fiji, it is an economic lifeline. Our tourism sector, our trade relationships, and our global connectivity all depend on the safety, security, reliability and efficiency of our aviation system.
Today's meetings is more than a formality, it is renewed call to action. A chance to address long-standing challenges, strengthen partnerships, and build a more secure future for civil aviation in Fiji.
While I will not be joining you for the full day, I encourage you to engage in open and constructive dialogue. Share your expertise, and work collectively to advance the national interest.
With that, it gives me great pleasure to officially declare the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, and the National Civil Aviation Facilitation Committee meetings open.
Vinaka vakalevu, and thank you.
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