Head of State

HIS EXCELLENCY RATU WILIAME MAIVALILI KATONIVERE
[CF, MSD]

His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere is the 6th President of the Republic of Fiji.

His Excellency's career began as an enlisted soldierserving two tours to the Middle East, both under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). He continued to serve as a member of the Territorial Forces before being commissioned to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer of the 7th Fiji Infantry Regiment, Territorial Forces Brigade.

As a Member of the iTaukei Affairs Board, His Excellency has also played active roles in Provincial and iTaukei administrative matters that ensured good governance, sustainable development and wellbeing of Itaukei.

Much of His Excellency's career has been focussed predominantly on agricultural industries particularly on sustainable SME projects. Additionally, His Excellency was appointed as Chairperson and board member of several renowned Executive Boards that included the Fiji Sugar Cooperation, Fiji Pine Group of Companies, Copra Millers of Fiji, Tropik Wood Industries, Rewa Rice Ltd, Forestry Board and Airports Fiji Ltd to name a few. The contributions he made during his tenure were crucial in the decision making processes that led to the multiple successes of these Executive Boards

Since assuming office His Excellency has become Patron of numerous organisations in the Sports, Humanity, Arts and Services sectors.

His Excellency possesses a plethora of passions, most notable of these is, His Excellency is one of Fiji's fiercest defenders of the ocean and is at the forefront of the national effort to combat and adapt to Climate Change and the protection of our Environment. He fervently champions the protection of Fiji's Ocean ecosystems, promoting healthy reefs, mangroves, wetlands, marine eco- life, and the safeguarding of water sources and forests.

His Excellency personally advocated Fiji's interests on International platforms such as at COP23 in Germany, the United Nations Regional Consultation on South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, and the Worldwide Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). He was also instrumental in having the Great Sea Reef designated as a sight of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2018.

His Excellency is the Founder and Managing Director of the Macuata - based environmental group "Na Bainivualiku" which not only advocates for the protection of the Great Sea Reef, the protection of marine life in the greater Macuata waters, and the training; and upskilling of the people of Macuata, it most importantly monitors, reports and provides a feedback mechanism on the collective work and effort carried out by the stakeholders on the effects and practical ways to combat Climate Change.

As the Tui Macuata, His Excellency remains dedicated to ensuring that peace and harmony reigns over His people through His vision, loyalty, exemplary leadership and fundamentally in upholding the standards of his forefathers. His traditional governance continues to strengthen the traditional alliances he holds with the Vanua of Cakaunitabua, Bua and the Vanua of Lalagavesi, Cakaudrove.

His Excellency completed his primary education in Draiba Primary School before attending Bua Central College.

He is married to Madam Filomena Katonivere and they have two children and 3 grandchildren.

Please contact the Official Secretary to the President for any additional information: kiti.temo@govnet.gov.fj or rosalini.cavu@govnet.gov.fj or officialsecretary.statehouse@gmail.com