Fiji’s President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere emphasized the significance of the ‘Summit of the Future’ as an opportunity to reinforce global commitment to protecting the future of humanity. Addressing the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly during the plenary meeting of the summit, he stated that the newly adopted pact signifies a collective dedication to advancing together and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Under the theme “Summit of the Future; Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow,” President Katonivere pointed out the urgent challenges facing the world, including ongoing conflicts, the worsening climate crisis, hindered development, declining ecosystems, and pervasive inequalities and injustices.
“The most vulnerable populations are bearing the brunt of these crises,” he remarked, warning that future generations will suffer the consequences of current inaction. He stressed the importance of achieving a sustainable future and underscored the urgency of advancing the Sustainable Development Agenda within the next six years leading up to 2030.
The President called on world leaders to collaborate as member states under a functional multilateral system that includes non-state actors, the private sector, and all societal members. He concluded with a plea for prioritizing peace over conflict and upholding human rights as defined in the UN Charter, along with protecting natural resources across land, sea, and air.