Fiji has joined fellow Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders in issuing a united appeal for global peace, urging world leaders to uphold international law, pursue dialogue and work towards a world free of war and nuclear weapons.
In a political statement grounded in the Pacific’s Ocean of Peace Declaration, leaders from 18 Pacific nations reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and called on the international community to respect the sovereignty and dignity of all nations.
For Fiji, the declaration reinforces the country’s long-standing role as a regional advocate for peace, multilateralism and international cooperation.
“We call on all world leaders to stand with us to uphold the Charter of the United Nations, including the sovereign equality of all states, and the rights of all peoples to exist in peace and security,” the leaders said.
The statement comes amid growing geopolitical tensions globally and increasing competition for influence in the Pacific region.
Pacific leaders noted that island nations are particularly vulnerable to global instability despite contributing little to the conflicts and crises affecting the world.
“In the Pacific, our island nations know the cost of insecurity, the consequences of threats and decisions beyond our making and the importance of strong, secure partnerships,” the statement said.
For Fiji and its Pacific neighbours, security extends beyond military threats to include climate change, economic shocks and disruptions to global supply chains.
“Today, we are managing increasing pressures from climate-related impacts that affect our economies, infrastructure and long-term resilience,” the leaders said.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy in line with the “Pacific Way” and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
They also renewed calls for a nuclear-free Pacific, reflecting the region’s painful legacy of nuclear testing.
“As custodians of a region affected by the legacy of nuclear testing, we reaffirm our vision of a peaceful Pacific, free of nuclear weapons and nuclear testing and our shared objective of eliminating nuclear weapons globally,” the statement said.
The appeal highlights Fiji’s continuing role in regional diplomacy and peacebuilding, with the country having a long history of contributing troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions while advocating for stronger international cooperation.
The Pacific leaders concluded by inviting the global community to join them in advancing peace and security.
“Guided by our shared values and our commitment to peace, we, the Leaders of the Pacific, invite you to join us in standing together for peace,” they said.
