Tarakinikini and Vananalagi recognised for outstanding contribution to Fiji and Humanity

(New York, 26.9.24) His Excellency the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere awarded 50th Anniversary medals to Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini and Fiji’s Military and Police Advisor (MPA) to PRUN Colonel Siliva Raradoka Vananalagi during an investiture ceremony held at the Fiji Mission Office in New York.

The medal is awarded to honour and acknowledge citizens and non-citizens for their contribution towards Fiji’s development and to humanity at large within the 50 years. Most importantly, the medal encourages His Excellency’s philosophy of fostering a ‘culture of appreciation and inclusivity’.

With an outstanding service in Fiji and with the United Nations years, Ambassador Tarakinikini was chief of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) section at the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in the UN headquarters in New York.

Colonel Vananalagi had served at various roles from administrator, trainer, planner, financial controller, logistician and leadership at different command levels locally and abroad within her 35 years of service.