Fiji, 2025

Now, the Assembly will hear an address of His Excellency Sylvaini Ligamamada-Rabuka, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Civil Service and Public Enterprises and Information of the Republic of Fiji. I request Protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the Assembly. Thank you. Madam President of the United Nations General Assembly, Secretary General of the United Nations, Leaders, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I congratulate Her Excellency Annalena Birok on assuming the presidency of the 80th session of the General Assembly, as only the fifth woman to be elected to this position in the last 80 years. Madam President, Fiji reiterates its long-standing support for multilateralism and the role of the international rules-based order plays for the status and interests of small states. This year, Fiji commemorates 55 years of independence and stands alongside member states and takes stock of the 80 years since the founding of the United Nations. Eight years after independence, Fiji volunteered to be a troop-contributing country to the United Nations peacekeeping efforts. Our commitment is unwavering and we continue to be the largest per capita contributor to the United Nations peacekeeping for over four and a half decades. Our belief in the principles of the UN Charter is steadfast. The most critical challenge facing nations in the Pacific region is to find a framework, an enduring framework, that influences the strategic competition between the major powers towards a stable, multipolar region where peace prevails. I am conscious of the direct connectedness between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. So when I talk of the Pacific, I am also referring to the Indo-Pacific strategic area. Excellencies, when I addressed this Assembly in September 2023, I introduced the concept of the Pacific as an ocean of peace, as the Pacific's contribution to global order. The turmoil within each of our regions and the global community has been the common theme of the world leaders' statements this week. The question before us is, what must we do? 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. These are born from the very Pacific way of life. It is the lifelong integral heart to our identity as Pacific peoples. It is my honor to announce that the leaders of the Pacific at the Pacific Leaders' Meeting held two weeks ago adopted the Ocean of Peace Declaration at the Pacific Islanders' Meeting under the able chairmanship of the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, the Honorable Jeremiah Manele, on Thursday, the 11th of this month. In so doing, the Pacific leaders have declared and claimed the right of our people to peace. The concept of peace comes from deep within our faith in God, the God of peace and justice, that finds its own expression in our own Pacific way. The Pacific way was a phrase coined by Fiji's first Prime Minister, the late Rohto Sir Kamehameha in his first speech in this hall in 1970, to describe the calm, conciliatory, and orderly moves to independence by Pacific island states. At the core of the Pacific way lies respect, quiet leadership, and reconciliation. It is not a coincidence that Chapter 6 of the UN Charter is entitled The Pacific Settlement of Disputes, Articles 33 to 38. This concept, therefore, sits snugly with this year's theme, Better Together, 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights. If we must be better together, we need prolonged peace everywhere. Peace is the absence of fear and troubled hearts. Peace is the starting point, it is how things are held together, and it is the end state. The Pacific knows the value of peace as we have lived through the horrors of its absence. Our ocean, its diverse and vibrant lands, have been a theater of the two world wars and a testing ground for the world's most dangerous weapons. Its impacts are still felt and seen today. It is our expectation that the Ocean of Peace Declaration is seen as a platform that spurs on the evolution of our region's longstanding commitment to peace and prosperity. Much has been said in this forum about conflict during the past 80 years, including those raging today. I urge and pray for balanced considerations. We look at how these conflicts started and by whom, be it in Ukraine, Gaza, or elsewhere. What is the motive that those that started these wars? What have they done to try to end it, if any? In our prescription for a solution based on history, on truth, on fairness, Madam President, we cannot be talking about ending the war without guaranteeing Israel its right to peaceful existence, nor the peaceful existence of the Ukrainian people. For peace, we collectively have a responsibility to seeing this is done. Anything short is hypocrisy on our part. Building peace and sustaining it in the next 80 years demands of us to be truthful as the first necessary step that our aim must be for the dignity of peoples on all sides of the conflict. We cannot be selective with truth. Doing to others as we want others to do unto us is a must. If peace, sustained peace, is to be part of the new world order in the next 80 years. Falling short of this might be a reason the United Nations is not delivering at capacity. Excellencies, sustainable peace is neither built overnight, nor by any actor alone. Progression from cold to warm peace demands faith, courage, and a strong will. The cost of building peace is usually high, yet the cost of its absence is higher. If we hope to realize the full promise of the UN Charter, we must tackle the root causes of instability with the same urgency as we do their consequences. This must start with truth, its understanding and acceptance, however difficult this might be. Without truth, our words are hollow. Our efforts destroy the very outcomes we desire. History plays a big part. In our pursuit for peace, we must pursue this on the right side of history. Those are not abstract observations. But informed by Fiji's experience of 45 years in international peacekeeping engagements where I was a peacekeeper, this is underlined by the Ocean of Peace principle to promote peace as we have done since World War II, and especially during the recent four decades in the Middle East region. Our diplomatic engagements are informed by these principled understandings. Under the Ocean of Peace, Fiji sees its responsibility in advocating peace within and on behalf of the Pacific region, a responsibility I do not take lightly as the Prime Minister of my country. Under our foreign policy priority, Family First Pacific Regionalism, Fiji stands with our Pacific members. We know that sustained peace is only possible with prosperity. Fiji's primary focus is development, where my government's full attention is directed at poverty alleviation or eradication. Perhaps a way of assisting developing economies is to open markets for our produce. This reinstates and sustains the dignity of nations. Together, peace and development are integral to attaining the human rights of peoples. Furthermore, peace and prosperity for our people mean addressing expanded definitions of security with climate change high on the list. We, like other small island developing states, face ominous and disproportionate climate threats with negligible fraction of global emissions. Those who shoulder the blame must foot the bill. Science is clear. The powerful G20 group has been responsible for 80% of total emissions. I plead with them that they must lead the charge, keeping with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in light of different national circumstances. Heading to COP30, I hope that the world would push harder and members agree on pending common grounds of concern. Fiji stands strongly in support of Australia's bid to host COP31 as a Pacific COP. We need a loss and damage fund that meets the scale of the challenge and developed countries meeting their adaptation financing promises. We continue to reward polluters who wreck our planet. The fossil fuel industry continues to pocket massive profits and subsidies while everyday people bear the costs of climate catastrophe, from rising insurance premiums to lost livelihoods. We insist on a shift from fossil fuel subsidies and investments to a just energy transition by putting a price on carbon and to implement innovative sources of financing, including solidarity levies on fossil fuel extraction through legally binding mechanisms. Madam President, the ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change on July 25 affirmed this. Countries that are liable for climate change damage must bear the full cost. Some Pacific atolls sit one to two metres above mean sea level. It is grossly unfair that when disasters hit, the costs of recovery forced these countries to take on debt, a second layer of penalty for a situation they did not create. As signatory to the Paris Agreement, we are contributing our fair share towards a global effort to guide our low-carbon, climate-resilient development. Under our family-first Pacific regionalism foreign policy priority, Fiji stands with its fellow Pacific Island neighbours. Some of our smaller Pacific Island communities are struggling to stay above sea level. The international community is faltering in its commitment to keep below 1.5°C. Low-lying Pacific states expect the worst. 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. That starts with the legal definition. To date they are merely referred to as displaced people. In the Pacific, when 90% of land is communally owned, those that are being displaced will be landless before they become stateless, stripping them further of their dignity. In this situation, Fiji is coming face-to-face with the reality of sovereignty within sovereignty in all its details. Goodwill, time and resources are critical. This is complex, sensitive and costly work. We are setting the precedent. We have no margin for error as we are dealing with real lives whose impacts may compound existing stresses. Excellencies, 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, address plastic pollution, conserve biodiversity and protect endangered species. Fiji's ratification of the BB&J agreement this year is intentional and deliberate. We need to safeguard our ocean resources in line with the outcomes of the third UN conference in Niche. A much-needed shift is also required to address the ever-increasing share of fish stocks exploited beyond sustainable levels in our economic exclusive zones and the high seas. The sea is a well-known driver of overfishing and overcapacity. Fiji is not only actively addressing IUU fishing, but also deposited its WTO instrument of ratification as our contribution to addressing this emerging threat. The Plastic Treaty is an urgent goal that our global community cannot wait to end. To this, financing is the key. The convening of the Fourth Financing for Development in the Cebula Compromise lays an important milestone in addressing global financing needs. The existing financing architecture systematically or systemically disadvantages SIDs through complex processes and lengthy approvals, while our communities face daily the ravages of climate change. Reforms are needed now to address the widening gap that is now $4 trillion. As a small economy, we need direct funding, access modalities, simplified procedures, and SID-specific funding windows. Adaptation costs per capita are highest for the island nations. This must change to address our reality. All these are mapped out in the Antigua-Babuda Agenda for SIDs. Abbas, with two years left, it is critical that Abbas is expedited with the implementation of his Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. The Excellencies, SIDs urgently require the expedited implementation of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, MVI, to complement GDP per capita criteria in determining development support eligibility. SIDs have championed the MVI because of its direct relevance to overcoming the institutional blindness that has long ignored the reality of our unique circumstances and structural vulnerabilities. MVI provides a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of our development needs by incorporating factors such as environmental fragility, economic vulnerability, and structural constraints that traditional income-based measurements overlook. For Fiji, as with other SIDs, the implementation of MVI is a matter of development justice, ensuring that international support mechanisms recognize our inherent vulnerabilities and provide appropriate assistance regardless of per capita income levels. We call upon the international community to prioritize the swift operationalization of MVI as this tool is essential to ensuring that no SID is left behind due to misleading income classifications that mask our true development challenges. Excellencies, As we mark the UN's 80th anniversary and discuss UN reform, Fiji notes that the UN remains an indispensable partner for development in the Pacific SIDs. Our unique challenges require the specialized support that only the UN system can provide. Striking the right balance between a strong UN presence and operational effectiveness that reflects the priorities of P-SIDs is preferred. On our part, Fiji is finalizing arrangements for a purpose-built UN House that will provide a functional platform for UN operations in Fiji. Excellencies, Fiji is now pursuing constitutional reform. A recent Supreme Court ruling opened up a pathway for review of our constitution. This process ensures that the will of the people is accurately reflected in a revised constitutional framework that embodies the values of good governance and justice. Our approach prioritizes human rights and democratic participation while strengthening the institutional foundations necessary for sustainable democracy. Fiji's political journey has been marked by periods of instability. With the need for healing and progress, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been established to provide a platform for all voices to be heard, particularly those affected by past upheavals. This commission represents our commitment to confronting our history, fostering dialogue between communities, and building the foundation for a more coherent society. While this is progressing, we remain committed to international peace, stability, and the values that unite us as members of the international community. We congratulate those countries that have successfully trodden the path before, and encourage those that haven't to get on to it. Fiji is also challenged by an upsurge in transnational organized crime. Drug trafficking has exploited our vast maritime domain, spanning over 1.3 million square kilometers of ocean. This crisis threatens our national security and social fabric while exploiting our limited capacities. Our approach must be holistic, combining law enforcement with mental health support, community based recovery programs, and trauma-informed care for those affected. Fiji looks forward to working with partners to addressing trafficking sources of supplies, routes, enforcement, disrupting and dismantling supply, reducing demand, healing and rehabilitation of affected individuals and communities. In response to the multitude of issues confronting Fiji, following 16 years of autocratic rule and the responsibilities associated with being the regional hub, a structured way of managing the security front was needed. Fiji launched its national security strategy in June of this year. This came at the back of Fiji's first ever foreign policy white paper and national vision document. The strategy serves as the framework to safeguard Fiji's national security interests in an increasingly complex security environment. Further, the strategy embraces the tenet of regionalism in the 2050 Pacific Strategy for the Blue Pacific that also promotes prosperity, human rights, and cooperation with partners. Additionally, Fiji confronts a non-communicable disease pandemic that poses one of our greatest public health challenges in years. Our response strategy aligns with the SDG Goals 3 and 4, embracing linked approaches to ensure right lifestyle choices, accessible and quality care, and scaling up healthcare workforce. We are fostering public and private partnership to leverage innovation, expertise, and resources to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030. A health-first approach is necessary for national growth and resilience. Excellencies, for a small economy, we need all hands on deck. Fiji recognizes the potential of our diaspora community of approximately 300,000 Fijians worldwide. Their remittances exceed $1 billion in 2024. Optimizing this capacity through an appropriate strategic framework will enhance their engagement as partners in national development. I believe that dissonance does not diminish citizenship, and their expertise and networks are bridges and catalysts for growth and global reach. Fiji welcomes the convening of the Second World Summit for Social Development to be held in Doha in November of 2025. This is a useful platform to address pressing social challenges that disproportionately affect SIDS and the Global South. The summit is an opportunity to renew our collective commitment to ensuring that social progress remains at the heart of our development efforts. Excellencies, as we stand at this juncture of human history, Fiji calls on all Member States, on all of us, to embrace with far greater commitment the values which is the foundation of the United Nations. This is a defining moment. We cannot compromise on truth, love, faith and justice. What hope do we have for the next 80 years if we lose our principles? Peace on earth and goodwill to all men came at a price. Our wisdom is in not having to keep paying that price, because we abandoned the values that was the United Nations. We must act with urgency and with purpose at this moment in history as history demands. Our shared humanity depends on our courage to act as one. In those values, you will find Fiji standing with you. Thank you. God bless us all. On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Civil Service and Public Enterprises and Information of the Republic of Fiji. Now the Assembly will hear an address of His Excellency, Falete Iteo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu. I request protocol to escort His Excellency.