Fiji underscored its dedication to social development during a pivotal event organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) titled “Towards the World Summit for Social Development: Contributions from Asia and the Pacific,” which took place on February 24, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. The Fijian delegation was spearheaded by Ambassador Amenatave Yauvoli, Fiji’s Permanent Representative to UNESCAP and Ambassador to Indonesia. He was accompanied by Anasilini Turaga, Senior Foreign Service Officer, and Vasiti Cirikiyasawa, Second Secretary at the Fiji Embassy in Indonesia.
The Fijian team, led by Eseta Nadakuitavuki, Permanent Secretary of Women, Children, and Social Protection, presented vital insights aimed at promoting equitable growth and inclusive development, particularly in light of the climate-related vulnerabilities facing the region. Ambassador Yauvoli highlighted the importance of enhancing social protection systems to effectively support marginalized groups.
Discussions from this event will shape a draft outcome document that will be negotiated during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. This effort aligns with the broader objectives of the Second World Summit for Social Development, slated for November 2025 in Qatar, which seeks to reinvigorate dialogue based on the principles set forth in the Copenhagen Declaration of 1995.
Fiji’s active engagement at this forum reflects its commitment to tackling the social, environmental, and economic challenges that Pacific nations encounter. Furthermore, this event serves as a precursor to the ESCAP Twelfth Asia-Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development, scheduled from February 25-28 in Bangkok. Fiji’s ongoing participation and proactive stance in these discussions not only demonstrate its commitment to fostering regional cooperation but also aim to ensure a sustainable future for the communities in the Pacific.
This involvement highlights Fiji’s emphasis on social welfare and reinforces its alignment with global initiatives geared towards addressing critical social issues, fostering a positive outlook for future advancements in the region.
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