The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Director of Human Resources and Management (DHRM) and Chairman of the RFMF Reconciliation and Restoration committee Colonel Jofiliti Talemaibau, and selected members from the RFMF will participate in a week-long workshop conducted at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbor from Monday 30 June – 04 July 2025.

Participants in the workshop are receiving training on peacebuilding and restorative justice methodologies, including their practical applications and ways to monitor change within themselves, their workplaces, and the communities they serve. Key training areas include conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation, dialogue, leadership communication, anger management, safeguarding, and stress and trauma management.

During the opening address, the Executive Director of the Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding (PCP), Mrs. Florence Swammy, provided an overview of PCP’s mission and approach to peacebuilding.

“Our work is delivered through four program areas: Community Peacebuilding, Women’s Peacebuilding Leadership, Climate Change and Conflict, and Restorative Justice. Each program is implemented through a lens of peacebuilding, restorative justice, and conflict sensitivity, with the goal of strengthening the capacity of communities, stakeholders, and partners such as yourselves.” Mrs. Swammy said.

Mrs. Swammy also highlighted that this commitment is vital, as it highlights the need to adapt to changing times by building trust and engaging with constituents through diverse networks and new approaches.

“This is indeed an important commitment that has been made, given that there are many things that we need to look after in our own workspace. In the rapidly evolving times that we live in, embracing new ways of engaging with our constituents is not only critical, but we must build trust,” Mrs. Swammy added.

“We must engage in different ways with diverse networks and use new methodologies. This week we will do some comparative learning on how we all can work better to implement our work plans. Different thoughts they may be, but we all seek the same outcome, which is to build and nurture safer and peaceful communities built on trust and strong relationships.”

Mrs. Swammy also alluded to the importance of peacebuilding training for security forces, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, by highlighting five key areas where such training is vital:

1. Building capacity for human security,

2. Addressing the unique demands of peace operations,

3. Preventing conflict relapse and supporting sustainable peace,

4. Enhancing civil-military-police coordination, and

5. Promoting professionalization and adherence to international standards.