Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, has presented the 50th Anniversary Medal to both Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini, and the Military and Police Advisor to the UN, Colonel Siliva Raradoka Vananalagi.
This medal recognizes the significant contributions of citizens and non-citizens to Fiji’s development and to humanity over the past 50 years. It embodies the President’s philosophy of promoting a “culture of appreciation and inclusivity.”
Ambassador Tarakinikini has had a distinguished career, serving as the chief of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) section at the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) at UN headquarters in New York. Meanwhile, Colonel Vananalagi boasts 35 years of service in various roles, including administrator, trainer, planner, financial controller, logistician, and leadership positions at diverse command levels both locally and internationally.