President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has called for a more inclusive and a more representative United Nations Security Council that reflects the voices of developing countries and small island developing states.
Addressing the general assembly during the 2024 “Summit of the Future” at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on September 22, he said it was important that smaller island nations be acknowledged.
Ratu Wiliame also emphasised the importance of multilateralism and the collective efforts to peace and security.
“Since 1978 Fiji has been part of the collective effort to maintain peace and security through our contributions to the United Nations peacekeeping operations in conflict-affected regions all over the world,” he said.
“The nature of threat against international peace and security have extended beyond the traditional confines of conflict to political, economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
“International peace and security are fundamental for sustainable development.
“For this, we need strong international cooperation, diplomacy and a commitment to upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter are indispensable.”
Ratu Wiliame said the multilateral system must be reformed to be able to respond to new threats and to the challenges of the 21st century.
“We call for a more inclusive and more representative United Nations Security Council that reflects the voices of developing countries, particularly small island developing states. Increased cooperation between the United Nations regional bodies and member states in the fields of early warning prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding is important.”
He said there was a need to advance the region as the ocean of peace, depicting its commitment to the 2050 Blue Pacific strategy.
“In the Blue Pacific, we recognise the value of peace, having lived through the horrors of its absence during the two world wars.
“We need to advance the region as the ocean of peace and guided by the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent, we are committed to realising our vision for a resilient Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity.
“We cannot do it alone, and we call on multilateral and bilateral development partners to support us in this endeavour in making the oceans of peace a reality.”
