UNA Fiji Attends Final 2024 FCoSS Budget Forum
The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) hosted the People’s Budget Analysis Validation Forum in Public Finance Management project. This forum brought together District Councils of Social Services (DCOSS) heads, and National Member NGOs, to evaluate the alignment of the 2024 Fiji National Budget with community priorities and reinforce strategies for inclusive public finance management. The People’s Budget Analysis Validation Forum served as a vital platform for nurturing collaboration, accountability, and collective action.
The FCOSS standing committee on budget analysis with head presenter Ms. Salote Malani presented to the forum on how people-centered is the current Fiji national budget and how much allocation has been done per ministry to address the needs of the people. The FCOSS team also highlighted on how much is currently allocated for specific projects and how much more money is needed based on data collected.
The Hon. Secretary of the United Nations Association of Fiji, Mr. Vipin Maharaj, highlighted several critical issues. He emphasized the need for a Citizen’s Guide to the Laws of Fiji, acknowledging the complexities of the legal framework and the challenges in simplifying laws while preserving their precision. Mr. Maharaj remarked that creating such a guide would take considerable time and effort, stating, “The law is such that every comma and dot matters.” This initiative is essential to empower citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Mr. Maharaj also advocated for stronger feedback and closing-the-loop mechanisms, proposing key measures such as law reforms to impose sanctions on service providers failing to meet obligations and capacity-building initiatives for DCOSS and NGO/CSO leaders. Mr. Maharaj stressed that DCOSS heads must proactively participate in government consultations, particularly when amendments to the laws of Fiji or the 2013 Constitution are called for, saying, Furthermore, Mr. Maharaj emphasized the need for ministries to remain accountable to the people they serve, reminding attendees that, “Ministries are created to work for the people. Sometimes, people sitting in these ministries forget that they work for us, not the other way around. It’s a matter of working together, and we, as a collective, need to hold them accountable.”
The forum also provided a space for discussions on enhancing collaboration between National Member NGOs and DCOSS divisions. Mr. Maharaj proposed several strategies to strengthen partnerships, including information-sharing sessions where heads of DCOSS and NGOs could align priorities and identify cross-cutting goals. He highlighted the importance of using DCOSS data to design targeted and impactful projects and leveraging DCOSS human resources for organizations with limited capacity. He cited the successful partnership between UNA Fiji and Nadroga DCOSS in combating climate change through nature-based solutions as a prime example.
Mr. Maharaj stressed the importance of mutual accountability, stating, “While we are open to working with DCOSS, it’s not a ‘give-only’ situation. We need DCOSS’s to reciprocate by providing feedback, monitoring, and evaluation. Active communication and feedback mechanisms are non-negotiable during project design and implementation.” These views were echoed and accepted by representatives from all 21 DCOSS divisions across Fiji, signifying a collective commitment to accountability and collaboration.
The forum concluded with a discussion on fostering stronger partnerships between National Member NGOs and DCOSS divisions. This included a focus on shared goals, cross-cutting priorities, and mutual support. In a gesture of regional solidarity, attendees extended prayers and well-wishes to the Vanuatu Association of NGOs (VANGO), reaffirming the Pacific region’s shared commitment to resilience and collaboration in the wake of a 2 devastating earthquakes.
The People’s Budget Analysis Validation Forum stands as a testament to the importance of advocating for people-centered public finance management, strengthening NGO collaboration, and empowering communities to shape public policy effectively.
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