SUVA, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- The South Pacific island nation of Fiji said on Monday that it is committed to empowering persons with disabilities in the country.

Some 13 percent out of Fiji's 880,000 population live with some form of disability, permanent secretary for Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Josefa Koroivueta said when speaking at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Monday, according to a government statement.

The secretary said the theme "Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality" focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities, so as to achieve inclusive, equitable and sustainable development envisioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which pledges to "leave no one behind."

The ministry is in the process of formulating a plan for a national council for people living with disabilities and will be going around the country for consultation sessions.

Monday's event also had displays by the disabled students who are part of the grass root training program.