Pacific Pioneers: How Fijian Cities and Towns are Shaping a Sustainable Future
In the Pacific, local communities and municipal councils in Fiji have been stepping up to transform how cities grow, adapt, and care for their people.
Through the Joint SDG-Funded initiative "Accelerating Multi-Level Action for SDG Localization," communities across Fiji are translating abstract global goals into practical, community-led sustainable development—empowering cities like Suva to lead on resilience, inclusion, and sustainability, while inspiring other small island states to follow suit.
In 2025, Suva- the capital of Fiji- achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first city in a Pacific Small Island Developing State to develop a Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of the SDGs.
This initiative demonstrates an innovative approach to locally-led sustainable development. Instead of top-down global mandates, it proves that real progress happens when global goals meet local needs. By focusing on practical, community-level improvements, Fiji is showing how sustainable development can create immediate, tangible benefits.
The VLR process showcases Suva's progress in areas such as sanitation and public transportation while addressing challenges in healthcare, gender equality, and climate action, aligned with eight prioritized SDGs. The VLR’s recommendation to establish a dedicated SDG Implementation Committee is in progress to oversee local integration and ensure accountability, for accelerated SDGs achievement.
Running from October 2024 to October 2025, this project is led by UNESCAP in partnership with UN-Habitat under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator.
Co-chaired by Ms. Seema Sharma, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Local Government and the UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Dirk Wagener, the project engages not just Suva City Council but will also develop VLR reports with Lautoka City Council and Labasa Town Council, as well as implement a national training programme on SDG localization for all 13 local councils in Fiji, fostering a network of city and town councils dedicated to sustainability. Local governments are now equipped with tools, data, and strategies to align their planning with the SDGs, ensuring no one and no place is left behind.
As Fiji leads the way, it sends a message across the Pacific and beyond that sustainable development starts in our neighborhoods, in our cities, and in the heart of communities determined to build a better future.
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