Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka delivered his nation’s address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, emphasising the role of the Pacific region in promoting global peace, development, and human rights.
Congratulating the new UN General Assembly President, Annalena Baerbock, Rabuka said,
“Fiji reiterates its long-standing support for multilateralism and the role the international rules-based order plays for the status and interests of small states.”
Highlighting Fiji’s ongoing commitment to peacekeeping, he noted, “Eight years after independence, Fiji volunteered to be a troop contributing country to the United Nations’ peacekeeping effort.”
“Our commitment is unwavering. We continue to be the largest per capita contributor to United Nations peacekeeping for over four and a half decades.”
Rabuka introduced the “Ocean of Peace” concept, which he first presented in 2023, as the Pacific’s contribution to global order. “The vision of the Pacific as an Ocean of Peace is rooted in the noble values of mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. It embodies the essence of our commitment to peace and unity,” he said, adding that Pacific leaders recently adopted the Ocean of Peace Declaration, asserting “the right of our people to peace.”
Addressing ongoing global conflicts, Rabuka urged balance and fairness. “We cannot be talking about ending the war without guaranteeing Israel its right to peaceful existence, nor the peaceful existence of the Ukrainian people,” he said.
“Building peace and sustaining it in the next 80 years demands of us to be truthful as the necessary first step.”
Climate change featured prominently in his address, with Rabuka urging greater responsibility from major emitters. “Science is clear, the powerful G20 Group has been responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions. Those who shoulder the blame must foot the bill,” he said, calling for a “Loss and Damage Fund that meets the scale of the challenge” and support for a “just energy transition.”
Rabuka also stressed the importance of regional solidarity and preparation for climate displacement. “Some of our smaller Pacific Island communities are struggling to stay above sea level…”
“Today, my government is looking at ways to host these island communities if it is not possible to remain on their islands. The dignity of the people that are forced to leave their homes is fundamental.”
On ocean conservation, he said, “One of the biggest victims of the climate crisis is the ocean itself.”
“Fiji depends on the health and wealth of the ocean. We need to step up efforts to sustainably use and manage our ocean resources.”
The Prime Minister highlighted other priorities, including Fiji’s constitutional reform, establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, combating drug trafficking, addressing non-communicable diseases, and engaging the Fijian diaspora as national development partners.
Concluding his address, Rabuka urged global unity and moral responsibility:
“Our shared humanity depends on our courage to act as one. In those values, there, you will find Fiji standing with you. Thank you, and may God bless us all.”
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