Prime Minister and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Voreqe Bainimarama and New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, hosted Pacific Leaders to a solidarity event on the margins of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York today (23/09/22).
In addressing the Leaders and the Pacific representatives, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama reminded them that solidarity is our one and only recourse.
Prime Minister Bainimarama told Pacific Leaders at the event that we may have some differences between ourselves in the region, but here at the parliament of the world, we must be utterly united in our message in every meeting and every forum that we have the chance to speak at.
“We are here at this great, global crossroads to seek open, inclusive, and enduring partnerships that recognise and support the collective strength of our Blue Pacific region. When we speak and act as one, with clarity in voice, our messages are heard. A powerful new partnership with the USA and other friends is shaping up well as a result.”
PM Bainimarama also urged the Pacific Leaders to stand in solidarity with Vanuatu in calling for a resolution requesting the International Court of Justice to provide an advisory opinion on the obligations of states to protect the rights of present and future generations against the adverse impacts of climate change.
“We must continue to be clear in our resolve, unwavering as we look ahead,” he said.
“I also ask all of you to urge states to formally support the Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones. I also ask that we do everything within our collective power to keep our region nuclear weapon free. We did not have a say then, but we do now, and we will use our collective voice to protect the Blue Pacific Continent at all costs.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ardern acknowledged the hard work that rendered to the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.
She added that New Zealand stands ready to support the Pacific in its stride to building healthy and sustainable economies.
PM Ardern thanked the Fijian Prime Minister for his leadership of the Forum at its most difficult time.
