THE Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) have signed key agreements to promote gender equality and expand rural electrification in Fiji. Under a new Memorandum of Understanding, FCCC becomes the first public institution in Fiji to pursue the UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions. The certification promotes systems that strengthen inclusion and equal participation, particularly for women and vulnerable groups. The initiative supports Fiji’s National Gender Policy and aligns with international commitments. FCCC Chief Executive Senikavika Jiuta said the agency is embedding equality in its daily operations. “By embedding gender equality within our own operations, we ensure our regulatory work, like that with FREF, delivers measurable, empowering benefits to all Fijians—especially women and girls in vulnerable communities,” Jiuta said. The agreement also strengthens FCCC’s role in overseeing the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF) where the project will deliver solar-powered electricity to 20 rural communities over the next two years. FREF aims to connect 6,500 people, 15 schools, and health centres with two megawatts of clean energy. The project also supports climate action and expands access to tele-health and digital education through satellite connectivity. UNDP will support FCCC in developing national regulations for rural mini grids. The goal is to ensure long-term, inclusive access to electricity across Fiji. UNDP Pacific Representative Munkhtuya Altangerel welcomed FCCC’s leadership. “This is the first time in the Pacific that a public institution has voluntarily pursued Gender Equality Seal certification,” she said. “FCCC is setting a new benchmark for the region.” The partnership supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including gender equality, affordable energy, and strong institutions.