The 65th Workshop Meeting (WSM) of Heads of National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) commenced on 23 October in Nadi, Fiji, providing a valuable platform for advancing productivity and sustainability across Asia and the Pacific. This annual three-day meeting brought together 51 NPO Heads, advisers, and productivity leaders from 19 APO members, including seven Permanent Secretaries from the Government of Fiji. Generously hosted by the Government of Fiji, the local cultural richness and commitment to sustainable development set a fitting backdrop for this year’s discussions.

(L-R) Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Prof. Yoichiro Matsumoto, APO Chair and Director of Fiji Jone Maritino Nemani, APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Manoa Seru Nakausabaria Kamikamica, and H.E. Minister of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh.

During the inaugural session, APO Chair 2024–25 and APO Director for Fiji Jone Maritino Nemani extended a warm welcome to the distinguished delegates. “Over the next few days, NPO Heads, together with their advisers and the APO Secretariat, will carry on the treasured tradition of discussion and mutual learning, while also enhancing networking and the learning opportunities offered by the APO.” The session was graced by the Guest of Honor, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Manoa Kamikamica and Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh.

WSM delegates with Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica and Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Singh.

A highlight of the inaugural session was the launch of Green Productivity (GP) 2.0, introduced through a special presentation by Professor Yoichiro Matsumoto, Science and Technology Advisor to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Member of the GP Advisory Council. Prof. Matsumoto emphasized the evolution and importance of GP 2.0, aligning it with global sustainability goals, such as the UN SDGs and net-zero emissions by 2050. He outlined the GP 2.0 ecosystem and Project Bank aimed to expand the initiative’s impact across multiple sectors  and underscored the synergy between GP 2.0 and Japan’s Green Growth Strategy, particularly in promoting innovation and the circular economy.

Prof. Matsumoto presenting APO GP 2.0: The Road Ahead report to Minister Singh.

The session concluded with the election of APO Alternate Director and NPO Head for Fiji Dr. Isimeli Waibuta Tagicakiverata as Chair of the 65th WSM, and APO Director and NPO Head for the ROK Wangi Ahn as Vice Chair. The meeting continued with reports from the APO Secretariat on topics including the 2023 Annual Project Review, independent evaluation of recent programs, and updates on the APO Accreditation Program and the APO Vision 2025 Pause-and-reflect Activity progress.

65th WSM Chair Dr. Tagicakiverata (center), Vice Chair Ahn (L), and Secretary-General Dr. Indra (R).

Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, attended the welcome dinner hosted by APO Chair and Director for Fiji Nemani honoring WSM delegates. In his keynote address, President Katonivere reaffirmed Fiji’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism, stating, “We will fully support discussions that promote mutual understanding and collaboration to achieve our shared goals, particularly during this WSM.”

President of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere.

The second day of the meeting featured presentations from NPO Heads and guest experts, including Dr. Chin-Hsu Lin, Chair of the GP 2.0 Technical Working Group, representatives from the Korea Development Institute, and Japan’s MOFA. Their presentations delved into the APO Specific National Program and the integration of GP and AI into productivity initiatives. The meeting also held a strategic planning session, where delegates deliberated on program plans for 2025–26.

Guest presenters at the WSM.

As the APO continues its mission to promote productivity, this WSM reinforces its commitment to sustainable development and collaboration, fostering an environment where member economies can thrive in a rapidly changing world.