Fiji’s President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has recognized that the ‘Summit of the Future’ presents a valuable opportunity for Fiji and the global community to enhance their commitment to securing a sustainable future for humanity.
Addressing the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the Summit of the Future Plenary Meeting, President Katonivere emphasized that the future pact, approved during the summit, symbolizes a shared promise to collaborate and ensure no one is left behind.
Under the theme “Summit of the Future; Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow,” he cautioned that the world is facing significant challenges. Ratu Wiliame pointed out that ongoing conflicts, a worsening climate crisis, hindered development, failing ecosystems, and widespread inequalities are pressing issues.
“It is the most vulnerable who are bearing the brunt of these consequences. Tomorrow our children, and their children, will face the repercussions of our inaction,” he stated. He affirmed the need for a unified vision for a sustainable future, stressing that achieving this vision relies on the actions taken now, with only six years remaining to advance the Sustainable Development Agenda.
The President called on leaders to collaborate as member states within a multilateral framework that is effective and includes non-state actors, the private sector, and all segments of society.
“We must prioritize peace over conflict and uphold all human rights as established in the UN Charter. Additionally, we must safeguard our environment and its resources on land, sea, and air,” he asserted.