Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Prof. Biman Prasad, has called for a stronger, more responsive multilateral system to address the urgent needs of Pacific nations.
Opening the Annual Meeting of Senior UN Leadership in the Pacific, Prof. Prasad told UN Resident Coordinators and agency heads that “the gravest challenges of our times require a multilateralism with edge and purpose.”
“A UN post-80 must respond to our unique circumstances, our unique predicament and our unique vulnerabilities.”
Highlighting the Pacific’s global contributions, he noted the region’s role in biodiversity, culture, and the ocean economy, but questioned why it often feels left behind.
“Our part of the world’s ocean — the Blue Pacific — is the oxygen supply line for all humanity.”
“We feed the world through our tuna. We heal it through medicines from our marine biodiversity. And yet, why is it that this special part feels most excluded?” he asked.
Prof. Prasad also reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to the UN, announcing plans to establish a permanent office in Suva to host all UN organisations in the region.
“We see ourselves not merely as a host, but a solid partner to the UN — investing in a regional hub to bridge Pacific nations, the UN system and the broader development system.”
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
