Suva Makes History with Launch of First-Ever Pacific VLR Report
May 27, 2025
The Suva City Council is pleased to announce a landmark agreement with the Australian Capital Territory in Canberra aimed at fostering closer cooperation among the region’s urban centers. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formally signed today, establishing the ‘Council of Pacific Capital Cities.’
The agreement was signed by the Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, the Suva City Council Acting Chief Executive Officer, Tevita Boseiwaqa, and the Wellington Mayor, Tory Whanau.
Membership in the Council, which is open to other capital cities in the Pacific region, has a core aim to foster cooperation across a range of vital areas, including: climate change, sustainable development and city planning, economic growth and diversification, arts and culture, and governance.
Suva City Council Acting CEO Tevita Boseiwaqa emphasized the significance of the collaboration: “The Suva City Council values this agreement as it allows the best sharing of challenges and best practices amongst our cities in the Pacific Region. Together we can penetrate and address the challenges we encounter.”
Under the newly signed agreement, the signatory cities commit to developing a comprehensive three-year work plan to address specific areas of cooperation. To ensure progress in strengthening regional partnerships, annual summits will be held, with hosting duties rotating among the cities. The agreement also outlines plans for regular trade missions, artist exchanges, and direct face-to-face exchanges between the community, business, and education sectors.
This tripartite agreement on regional cooperation is a key highlight as Wellington celebrates its sister city partnership with Canberra this week, underscoring the enduring value of inter-city collaboration.