Celebrating 50 Years Of Independance
After almost a century under British rule, Fiji got its independence in 1970. This year is the 50th anniversary of Fiji’s independence. With Fiji 50 we’re staging worldwide performances and bringing people together to share stories that tell of the vital contribution Fijians made and continue to make to the UK and the rest of the world.
It’s absolutely vital that we bring Fiji and its people under the spotlight now, because Fiji is under attack themselves… from the catastrophic effects of climate change.
“Climate change is the greatest threat to our security in the Pacific, and for my own people and other Pacific Islanders, the impacts are really starting to bite.”
– Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama
Climate change has consequences for us all. But for the people of Fiji, these effects will be devastating.
With rising seas levels and the intrusion of saltwater, people are moving inland to higher ground. Warmer temperatures are helping to spread disease faster. And hurricanes are causing more death and destruction than ever before.
The people of Fiji have an ambitious legislative programme and measures to face these effects of climate change. But they don’t have the technical expertise, human resources or money.
Fiji50 is one way we’re helping. We are using the power of the Fijian diaspora communities in major cities around the world to amplify their island-dwelling countrymen and women’s calls for help.
The project will be coordinated from London, near the Fiji High Commission to the UK and the Commonwealth Secretariat HQ. Fiji50 brings together a range of partners to mark this unique, once in a generation moment of our time, by demonstrating the contribution and the independent, forward-thinking spirit of the Fijian Diaspora. We’ll work in key cities and regions where the Fijian diaspora communities have settled.
Fiji50 is a unique initiative, in partnership with Fiji Cultural and Social Club UK, Communities Fiji, Commonwealth Foundation, UK FCO, British Army, Fiji Museum, University of London, University of Central Lancashire, the Fiji Government, Fiji High Commission in London, Tourism Fiji, Investment in Fiji and Fiji Airways and The National Archives UK.
The year 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of independence, a turning point in the development and growth of the nation. Fiji is the most diverse nation in the Pacific. It plays a significant regional role in geopolitics and trade. As the regional office for the Commonwealth Local Government Forum, it works to promote and strengthen democratic local government and encourage the exchange of good practice in the Pacific region.
Get involved
Fiji50 is a once in a generation opportunity for inter-government departments, public bodies, individuals and commercial partners to connect and work together.
To get involved, sign up below to be the first to hear about festivals, events and ways that you can help those that have helped us in the past.
Help us shape the future by celebrating the past.
Creating Our Diversity & The Diaspora
Fiji became an independent sovereign state on 10th October 1970. The country started its brand-new journey as an independent nation, and this was a moment of pride for all Fijians.
Prince Charles represented his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, as Fiji’s National Flag was raised before a crowd of thousands.
Formally giving up British power for the Crown to which he is the heir, the uniformed Prince read a message from Queen Elizabeth, reviewing how the Fijian chiefs had ceded the government of the islands to her great‐great‐grandmother, Queen Victoria, on Oct. 10, 1874
“I am cheerful to address you as Queen of Fiji,” the Queen’s message said in respecting the new island state into the Commonwealth of Nations as a free independent dominion, with the same status as Canada.
Most recently, in 2019 the connection between Fiji and the United Kingdom was strengthened with the state visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
2020 marks the 50th anniversary of independence, a turning point in the development and growth of the nation. Fiji, is the most diverse nation in the Pacific and plays a significant regional role in geo-politics, trade and is the regional office for the Commonwealth Local Government Forum where it works to promote and strengthen democratic local government and encourage the exchange of good practice in the Pacific region.
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