Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
10/25/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/24/2025 14:23
UN CELEBRATES EIGHTY YEARS OF BEING A...
The United Nations (UN) Office in Suva hosted a special reception to mark its 80th anniversary in promoting peace, human rights, social progress, and sustainable development this evening.
Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka graced the occasion with Fiji's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Non-Resident Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Filipo Tarakinikini, chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and representatives of international organizations and civil society.
At the event, Fiji's role was highlighted in regional cooperation and its commitment to multilateralism, emphasizing the importance of a strong UN presence in the Pacific to address unique development challenges.
From 51 founding nations, the UN now comprises 193 member states-a transformation driven largely by historic decolonization efforts. Through this process, Pacific nations like Fiji gained its rightful place in the community of nations.
In the Pacific, the visionary leaders, including Fiji's founding Prime Minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, laid the foundations of regionalism-from CROP agencies to the Pacific Islands Forum-allowing us to speak with unity and strength on the global stage.
Fiji's cooperation continues through the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Ocean of Peace Declaration, championed by Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka. This reflects Fiji's contribution to global peace under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter and aligns with Fiji's unique role in UN peacekeeping.
The UN remains an indispensable development partner for Pacific Small Island Developing States. With the UN's evolving Multi-Country Office structure and its 80th anniversary reforms in New York, Fiji's message is clear: our region needs a strong, well-resourced UN presence that responds to our unique challenges.
Fiji's commitment to multilateralism is unwavering. Strong international cooperation, diplomacy, and the principles of the UN Charter remain indispensable. We must return to the foundation of the Charter-investing in human dignity, human rights, and shared global responsibility. The United Nations is only as strong as its Member States.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dirk Wagener, in commemorating eight decades of the United Nations, remembered those who have given their lives and those who have served and still serve far from home, similar to Fiji's enduring commitment to global peace.
"For Fiji, the United Nations is part of Fiji's journey, a nation that has never stood aside from the world's challenges, a nation that has always stepped forward with courage and conviction," he said.
"Honourable Prime Minister. On behalf of the Secretary General, I thank you and all the Fijian peacekeepers, for your commitment and for your leadership," he added.
"Here in Fiji, the United Nations works hand in hand with the government, development partners, civil society and communities across four programme pillars, which we call people, planet, prosperity and peace. Together, under the people pillar, the UN is working to ensure that all people, especially those at risk of being left behind, gain equitable access to resilient gender responsiveness and quality basic services in health, education, nutrition and social protection."
Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka graced the occasion with Fiji's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Non-Resident Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Filipo Tarakinikini, chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and representatives of international organizations and civil society.
At the event, Fiji's role was highlighted in regional cooperation and its commitment to multilateralism, emphasizing the importance of a strong UN presence in the Pacific to address unique development challenges.
From 51 founding nations, the UN now comprises 193 member states-a transformation driven largely by historic decolonization efforts. Through this process, Pacific nations like Fiji gained its rightful place in the community of nations.
In the Pacific, the visionary leaders, including Fiji's founding Prime Minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, laid the foundations of regionalism-from CROP agencies to the Pacific Islands Forum-allowing us to speak with unity and strength on the global stage.
Fiji's cooperation continues through the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Ocean of Peace Declaration, championed by Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka. This reflects Fiji's contribution to global peace under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter and aligns with Fiji's unique role in UN peacekeeping.
The UN remains an indispensable development partner for Pacific Small Island Developing States. With the UN's evolving Multi-Country Office structure and its 80th anniversary reforms in New York, Fiji's message is clear: our region needs a strong, well-resourced UN presence that responds to our unique challenges.
Fiji's commitment to multilateralism is unwavering. Strong international cooperation, diplomacy, and the principles of the UN Charter remain indispensable. We must return to the foundation of the Charter-investing in human dignity, human rights, and shared global responsibility. The United Nations is only as strong as its Member States.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dirk Wagener, in commemorating eight decades of the United Nations, remembered those who have given their lives and those who have served and still serve far from home, similar to Fiji's enduring commitment to global peace.
"For Fiji, the United Nations is part of Fiji's journey, a nation that has never stood aside from the world's challenges, a nation that has always stepped forward with courage and conviction," he said.
"Honourable Prime Minister. On behalf of the Secretary General, I thank you and all the Fijian peacekeepers, for your commitment and for your leadership," he added.
"Here in Fiji, the United Nations works hand in hand with the government, development partners, civil society and communities across four programme pillars, which we call people, planet, prosperity and peace. Together, under the people pillar, the UN is working to ensure that all people, especially those at risk of being left behind, gain equitable access to resilient gender responsiveness and quality basic services in health, education, nutrition and social protection."
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