During his address at the Summit of the Future, held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere emphasized the importance of choosing peace over conflict. He urged global leaders to respect human rights as outlined in the UN Charter and to prioritize the protection of the environment and its resources across land, sea, and air.
The theme of the summit, “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow,” was underscored by President Katonivere’s assertion that the world is currently facing significant challenges. He noted that ongoing conflicts, the escalating climate crisis, and social injustices are pervasive, with the most vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of these issues.
He warned that the consequences of inaction would not only affect the present but would also impact future generations. “Tomorrow, it will be our children, their children, and succeeding generations, who will pay the price for our inaction,” he stated.
President Katonivere called for a collective effort among member states to build a multilateral system capable of addressing these challenges, taking into account the roles of non-state actors, the private sector, and all members of society. He concluded by emphasizing that achieving a sustainable future is a shared vision that requires immediate and concerted efforts, with only six years remaining until the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda deadline.