The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), US Pacific Command (USPACOM), and the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO) co-sponsored a multinational seminar on key pre-deployment and deployment issues related to military planning and training in preparation for future complex, multi-national, multi-dimensional UN operations. The purpose of the 4.5-day seminar was to share information and exchange experiences, with a view to building capacity within the nations of the Asia-Pacific Region.
 
This event was executed as part of an ongoing series addressing challenges to planning, coordination and execution of peace support operations known as the Asia Pacific Enhanced Peace Operations Program, co-sponsored by USPACOM, UNDPKO, and a host nation which selects the topic areas to be discussed. The Center of Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (COE) administers the events, in cooperation with the host nation.
 
Participants attended from the military forces of 18 countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam. Several representatives from the Fiji Ministry of the Interior participated, in addition to representatives of two Fiji-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Commander of the RFMF, officially opened and closed the event. Mr. Edmond E. “Ted” Seay III, Acting Deputy Chief of the US Embassy, provided opening and closing remarks.

Within the seminar, a scenario was used as the basis for discussion. The scenario is based on national preparations for future participation in a multi-dimensional, multi-functional UN peace support operation. On the first day of the seminar, a variety of background briefings set the scene prior to working group discussions on each issue. Major activities within the seminar addressed four separate discussion issues, which explored important dynamics of national pre-deployment planning and associated training. Each issue was executed in three parts: an introductory plenary to ensure the requirements of the group work product is clear, a working group session, and a concluding plenary. The concluding plenary for each move took the form of group out-briefs to the other participants. Discussion on each group’s conclusions followed and observations were sought from subject matter experts supporting the seminar.

On the final day, a representative of the RFMF presented a brief on Fiji’s role in modern peace support operations. The seminar game content manager provided a summary of conclusions reached during the week. The seminar concluded with a participant critique.

A CD-ROM containing the scenario and requirements, readings, supporting references and proceedings from the week’s activities was provided to each participant at the close of the seminar. The content may be viewed at http://coe-dmha.org/peace_fiji05.htm