About the Speaker

Professor Biman Prasad is a prominent figure in Fijian politics and academia, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance since December 2022. With a deep-rooted passion for democracy, good governance, rule of law, human rights, media freedom, inclusive development and social justice, Professor Prasad has dedicated his whole life to bring positive political and socio-economic change to Fiji.

Professor Prasad pursued his academic journey, achieving remarkable success both locally and internationally. He holds a PhD in Economics, from the University of Queensland in Australia and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Economics at an early age and the Dean of the Business and Economics Faculty at the University of the South Pacific. He currently holds the Adjunct Professorship at the James Cook University and Adjunct Research Professor at the Monash University in Australia. He has written several books and articles during his academic career and continues to take keen interest in research and publication.

As the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad continues to lead with integrity, vision, and compassion. His steadfast commitment to democracy, good governance, and social justice serves as a beacon of hope for his fellow Fijians, as he endeavours to build a prosperous nation that upholds the rights and well-being of its citizens. He is a fiscal disciplinarian focussed on improving public finance management, promoting value for money, bringing fiscal transparency, tackling corruption, championing good governance and ensuring debt sustainability.

Professor Prasad's dedication to social justice is unwavering. He promotes initiatives that seek to bridge the socio-economic gap within Fiji with progressive policies to uplift marginalized communities, including provision of quality education, social protection, and better healthcare services. His goal is to create an inclusive society where everyone has equal access to opportunities and enjoy a decent standard of living.

Professor Prasad hails from a rice farming community in Dreketi on the Island of Vanua Levu, in the second largest island of Fiji, and is married to Dr Rajni Chand and has 2 children.