Delegates at the Melanesian Spearhead Group Sports Ministers meeting at Nasova in Nasese, Suva: Picture: LITIA RITOVA
Suva, Fiji – June 20, 2025
In a major stride toward regional unity and sporting excellence, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) nations have officially signed a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in sports.
This MOU signed during the 4th MSG Sports Ministers Meeting (SMM) which followed the 11th MSG Sports Committee Meeting (SCM) in Suva, Fiji early this month.
The historic agreement was inked on Thursday by the Ministers of Sports from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu at the Bose Levu Vakaturaga Secretariat Building in Nasova, Suva. The MOU sets a new path forward for shared ambitions, joint development, and closer collaboration among MSG countries in the realm of sports.
"This has been a long time coming," said Ratu Meli Nacuva, Permanent Secretary for Fiji's Ministry of Youth and Sports. "Each nation had to navigate their own government processes, including cabinet approvals. But we’ve finally come together to formalize our shared vision.”
According to Nacuva, the agreement is not just about sports it’s about solidarity. “Each country has its individual sporting goals. The MOU ensures that as one of us moves forward, we all move forward together.”
For Fiji, a major highlight of the deal is securing financial strategies to support regional events, especially the prestigious MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.
“The main focus for us is how we fund our participation and hosting responsibilities,” said Director of Sports Phillip Hereniko. “The Prime Minister’s Cup remains the flagship event, and we’re looking at sustainable ways to grow it.”
But the collaboration doesn’t stop there.
The committee also discussed the MSG Sports Charter, an initiative aimed at expanding the current tournament which now primarily features football by including a wider range of sports. This expansion could pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive MSG Games in the future.
With this MOU in place, the Melanesian nations are not just sharing a vision—they’re building a legacy of unity through sports.