President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has advocated for a more inclusive and representative United Nations Security Council that amplifies the voices of developing nations and small island developing states.
Speaking at the 2024 “Summit of the Future” during the United Nations General Assembly on September 22 in New York City, he highlighted the necessity for smaller island nations to be acknowledged within the global framework.
Ratu Wiliame underscored the significance of multilateralism and collaborative efforts towards peace and security. He noted that since 1978, Fiji has contributed to maintaining global peace and security through its participation in UN peacekeeping missions in various conflict-affected areas worldwide.
He pointed out that the nature of threats to international peace has evolved beyond conventional conflict to include political, economic, social, and environmental challenges. Moreover, he emphasized that international peace and security are crucial for sustainable development and that strong international cooperation, diplomacy, and adherence to the UN Charter’s principles are vital.
Ratu Wiliame called for reform of the multilateral system to address new 21st-century threats and challenges. He urged for a more inclusive United Nations Security Council that accurately represents developing countries, especially small island developing states. He also stressed the need for enhanced cooperation between UN regional bodies and member states in areas such as early warning prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding.
He expressed the necessity to promote the region as an “ocean of peace,” acknowledging its commitment to the 2050 Blue Pacific strategy. Ratu Wiliame reflected on the value of peace in the Blue Pacific, shaped by the experiences from the two world wars.
He reiterated the commitment to the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent aimed at fostering a resilient Pacific region characterized by peace, security, social inclusion, and prosperity. Ratu Wiliame concluded by urging multilateral and bilateral development partners to assist in realizing the vision of transforming the Pacific into an ocean of peace.