Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met today with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the ongoing UN General Assembly.
Prime Minister Rabuka expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to engage, highlighting the pressing global challenges that are currently testing both individual and collective limits.
He emphasised the far-reaching impact of rising inflation, climate change, energy crises, and geopolitical competition, which are pushing the boundaries of international cooperation and threatening the world’s security and governance systems.
“For Fiji,” Prime Minister Rabuka stated, “we place our trust in multilateralism because we believe in the values of peace, justice, respect, human rights, tolerance, and solidarity.”
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged these remarks with appreciation.
Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized Fiji’s unwavering commitment to meeting its international obligations, including those outlined in the Sustainable Development Agenda.
“This year has been pivotal for Fiji,” Prime Minister Rabuka noted, “and we are encouraged by the UN’s unwavering support in addressing critical global challenges, such as COVID-19 and the climate emergency.”
Highlighting Fiji’s regional priorities, Prime Minister Rabuka stressed the significance of dialogue, solidarity, and trust within the Pacific Way, which continue to foster understanding within and beyond the region.
He emphasized that peace and security remain top priorities for Fiji, with a specific focus on geopolitical developments, maritime security, sustainable socioeconomic development, and strengthened partnerships.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Rabuka encouraged continued collaboration with the UN to advance a localized response to the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, tailored to each country’s unique national priorities.
“The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific outlines our region’s development priorities for the next three decades,” Prime Minister Rabuka added, “and we seek an elevated partnership with the UN to support these priorities.”
Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged the complexities of security in the Pacific, including threats from transnational crime, climate change, terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, and internal conflicts.
He underscored the interconnectedness between security, stability, sustainable development, and economic growth.
Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude for the invitation to attend the Climate Ambition Summit and emphasised the urgent need for ambitious emissions reduction targets and a just transition to renewables.
“As we approach COP28,” Prime Minister Rabuka stated, “it is imperative that we halt oil and gas expansion and unite to address the urgent climate crisis. COP28 offers an opportunity to reassess our progress since the 2015 Paris Agreement and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Prime Minister Rabuka assured the United Nations of Fiji’s unwavering support for climate justice and the reform of International Financial Institutions and multilateral development banks to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels and enhance adaptation efforts.
He called for strengthened international cooperation and a paradigm shift in addressing global challenges.
In a heartfelt message to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Prime Minister Rabuka concluded, “Excellency, you have Fiji’s steadfast support in your mission, and we hope for global cooperation driven by the values we all pledged to uphold when we joined this esteemed body. Vinaka vakalevu.” #UNGA78
