President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere called on global leaders to prioritize peace during his address at the Summit of the Future, which took place alongside the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. He emphasized the importance of selecting peace over conflict and upholding human rights as outlined in the UN Charter, while also calling for the protection of the environment and its resources.
Reflecting on the summit’s theme, “Summit of the Future; Multilateral Solutions for Better Tomorrow,” President Katonivere warned that the world faces immense challenges. He pointed out that ongoing conflicts, the worsening climate crisis, development issues, failing ecosystems, and pervasive inequalities are major concerns, particularly affecting the most vulnerable populations.
He cautioned that future generations, including our children and grandchildren, will bear the consequences of today’s inaction. President Katonivere emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among member states, supported by an effective multilateral framework that also involves non-state actors and the private sector.
He concluded with a call to achieve a common vision for a sustainable future, stressing the urgency of advancing the Sustainable Development Agenda within the next six years leading up to 2030.