Fiji’s President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere emphasized the growing distrust stemming from the widening gap between the hopes of people and the insufficient responses of the international system. This candid observation was made during his inaugural address to global leaders at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In his speech, Ratu Wiliame highlighted a significant incident where a ballistic missile was unilaterally tested in the Pacific Ocean from outside the region. He stated, “We demand respect for our region and protest against such actions. The Pacific, known as the ocean of peace, represents our contribution to global stability. Although Fiji is a small nation, our influence stems from our leadership and stewardship within the region, along with our efforts towards regional cooperation and broader multilateral engagement.”
The President underscored the critical situation faced by developing nations, particularly Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, which continue to lag behind in development as they confront various crises. He pointed out the enormous challenges these nations face including climate change, rising sea levels, pandemics, poverty, unsustainable development, conflicts, inequalities, and widespread injustices.
Ratu Wiliame asserted that the world needs bold leaders willing to muster political will and mobilize resources to bridge divides and find solutions that benefit humanity. He posed a choice: “We can either give up and go home or stay the course, renew our efforts, re-think, and reform together. The decision we make now will define our legacy.”
He called for robust international cooperation, diplomacy, and a strong commitment to upholding UN principles, stating that these elements are essential to effective multilateralism. According to the President, building trust is crucial, and the urgency for fostering a culture of peace has never been higher.
Ratu Wiliame reflected on the Blue Pacific Continent’s understanding of peace, recalling the painful lessons learned from historical conflicts, including the two World Wars and the testing of dangerous weapons that have affected the region.
Reports indicate that China conducted a successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, claiming it was part of routine annual training and not targeting any specific country. The missile was launched on Wednesday morning Beijing time and reportedly fell into a designated area in the Pacific Ocean, an action interpreted as a message to the United States and its allies amid rising regional tensions.
Stay tuned for further updates.