On the occasion of the Commonwealth Day 2022, Fiji reaffirmed its commitment to the Commonwealth family in the advancement of multilateral cooperation for unity, diversity and shared values.
In recognition of this partnership, the Head of State, the President His Excellency, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and Madam First Lady hosted a Commonwealth Day program at the State House this morning, which was attended by the Honourable Speaker of Parliament, His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and cabinet ministers, members of parliament, Permanent Secretaries, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of Non-Government Organisations.
President Katonivere while speaking at this occasion said, “I strongly believe that our family of fifty-four sovereign nations of the Commonwealth has a part to play through initiatives in the political and socio-economic development sphere. Fiji with other small island states continue to amplify the challenges of climate change even though we represent a small portion of the Commonwealth’s 2.5 billion people.
“As we strive to achieve a common rewarding future, I believe that success can become a reality if we strengthen our collaborative efforts in addressing the pressing issues we face today as a Commonwealth family given our shared history and longstanding friendships instead of individual nations.”
President Katonivere acknowledged the frontliners, medical professionals and personnel across the Commonwealth, who dedicated and committed themselves to the protection of Commonwealth citizens from the effects of COVID-19.
In conclusion, he mentioned that, “all aspects of the global landscape since the first Commonwealth Day has changed given the era of changing socio-economic circumstances and uncertainty we live in now. We as the Commonwealth need now, more than ever to be innovative, resilient and tenacious in how we address the political, economic, socio-cultural, environmental and other external influences that affect us.
“This can only become a reality through our policies, legislation, consultation and cooperation focussed on the common interests and welfare of our people, while aiming for world peace and prosperity.”
The program also featured the Commonwealth Day message by Her Majesty the Queen, which was conveyed by the British Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji, Mr Paul Welsh.
“Our family of nations continues to be a point of connection, cooperation and friendship. It is a place to come together to pursue common goals and the common good, providing everyone with the opportunity to serve and benefit. In these testing times, it is my hope that you can draw strength and inspiration from what we share, as we work together towards a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for all.
“And on this special day for our family —in a year that will include the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the Commonwealth Games – I hope we can deepen our resolve to support and serve one another, and endeavour to ensure the Commonwealth remains an influential force for good in our world for many generations to come.”
The Commonwealth Day 2022 theme is centered around the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting – ‘Delivering a Common Future’ – which highlights how the 54 member countries in the Commonwealth family are ‘innovating, connecting and transforming’ to help achieve goals like fighting climate change, promoting good governance and boosting trade.
