President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has called for reforms within the United Nations to better respond to the realities and vulnerabilities of small island states.
While delivering Fiji’s national statement at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York today, Ratu Naiqama says Fiji may be a small island state, but it does not have a small vision.
He has called for stronger multilateral cooperation, respect for international law and peaceful dialogue as the world faces growing conflict and geopolitical rivalry.
Ratu Naiqama has also highlighted the Pacific’s vision of an Ocean of Peace, saying the region welcomes friendship and genuine cooperation but must not become an arena for larger powers to settle their rivalries.
He says Fiji’s constitutional review and truth and reconciliation processes, the rising HIV emergency, transnational drug trafficking, costly remittance services and the impact of overseas recruitment on Fiji’s health and education workforce.
Ratu Naiqama also placed climate change and ocean protection at the heart of Fiji’s message, calling for international commitments to be translated into accessible finance and measurable action for vulnerable communities.
This was Ratu Naiqama’s first participation at the UN General Assembly as Fiji’s Head of State.
