Fijian Culture Takes Centre Stage in Argentina during International Alliance of Waste Pickers Congress

A touch of Fijian culture permeated the room during the inaugural Congress of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers in Argentina, as the Acting General Secretary, Lucía Fernández presided over the first day’s proceedings draped in a Fijian sulu.

This symbolic gesture was made possible by the Founder of Pacific Recycling Foundation, Amitesh Deo who presented the sulu on behalf of all those involved in recycling efforts in Fiji and the wider Pacific region, especially our Collection Pillars of Recycling.

Witnessing Fernández donning the sulu, the PRF team in Buenos Aires was deeply moved, as this gesture embraced the cultural connection and solidarity shared across continents in the pursuit of sustainable waste management.

“At PRF we cherish our Fijian identity,” said Deo.

The Founder of PRF expressed the significance of preserving and celebrating Fijian culture within Fiji and on the global stage whenever Fijian delegations are present.

Reflecting on the unexpected honour of seeing the Fijian sulu worn by the chair of the congress on Day 1’s proceedings, Deo expressed PRF’s profound appreciation for the enduring impact of their cultural gift.

He recounted a similar instance in Nepal a few months ago, where a Collection Pillar of Recycling from Fiji who was accompanied by the PRF team, proudly spoke in the i-Taukei language during the Inaugural International Waste Pickers Alliance Asia Pacific Coordination Meeting, showcasing Fijian culture and tradition in a foreign setting.

The PRF team attending the congress in Argentina includes Founder Amitesh Deo, Khalid Ahmed, who has dedicated 25 years to recycling with Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd, PRF’s Communications Manager Dhanjay Deo, and Research Officer Vinil Prasad.