Fiji’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Jese Saukuru, this week chaired the 6th Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Sports Ministers Meeting at the Fiji Sports Council Boardroom in Suva, where Sports Ministers and officials from the five MSG member countries convened to discuss key priorities for regional sports development and cooperation.
Among the participants was Vanuatu’s Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Job Sam Andy, who joined fellow MSG Sports Ministers in discussions on strengthening regional sporting cooperation and advancing opportunities for athletes and young people across Melanesia. Minister Andy’s participation reaffirmed Vanuatu’s commitment to using sport as a vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion, healthy communities, and stronger regional partnerships within the MSG framework.
“We gather as partners, as Pacific neighbours and as members of one Melanesian family,” Minister Saukuru said.
He emphasised the shared responsibility of MSG countries to invest in sport and create greater opportunities for young people across the region.
Minister Saukuru also highlighted the role of sport in addressing challenges affecting young people, including drugs, violence, crime, non-communicable diseases, and HIV and AIDS.
“Sport can play a crucial role in addressing these issues, and partnership through sport is key to achieving healthy nations,” he said
He called for greater investment in young athletes, noting that the athletes of today will become tomorrow’s coaches, administrators, leaders and sporting champions.
A key focus of the meeting was the MSG Games Charter, which has been finalised by the Technical Working Group. The Charter includes 18 sporting disciplines already played across Melanesia, providing a broader platform for regional sporting cooperation.
From 2029, the host country will select a minimum of three sports from the approved disciplines for the MSG Games.
Minister Saukuru welcomed the participation of all five MSG countries in Fiji and highlighted the increased inclusion of women’s teams in regional competitions.
He also called for the region to expand its sporting focus beyond football and create greater opportunities across different sporting disciplines.
“We must focus on finalising our MSG Sports Charter and expanding our sports beyond just football. Let us work together to promote inclusivity, diversity and excellence in sports across our region,” he said.
Minister Saukuru urged his fellow Ministers to approach the discussions with an open mind and a strong spirit of cooperation.
“Let us be ambitious in our thinking. Let us be practical in our decisions. And let us remain united in our commitment to the development of our people and our region.”
The outcomes of the 6th MSG Sports Ministers Meeting strengthen the foundation for greater regional cooperation, sustainable sports development and increased opportunities for young people and athletes across Melanesia.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports will continue working with MSG partners to use sport as a platform for youth development, inclusion, healthier communities and stronger regional connections.
