Fiji’s President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has expressed concern over growing distrust stemming from the gap between public expectations and the inadequacies of the multilateral system, a situation that he believes characterizes the current global landscape.
In his inaugural address to world leaders during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, the President pointed out a recent unilateral test firing of a ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean from outside the region, which occurred on Wednesday.
“We demand respect for our region and protest against such actions. The Pacific, regarded as an ocean of peace, is our contribution to global order and tranquility. While Fiji may be a small state, our influence is evident through our leadership roles within the region and our contributions to regionalism and broader multilateral cooperation,” he stated.
He highlighted that the stakes are particularly high for developing nations, including Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, which continue to lag in development amidst multiple crises.
The President outlined a range of significant challenges facing the world today, including climate change, rising sea levels, pandemics, poverty, unsustainable development, conflicts, inequalities, and widespread injustices.
“The world is in need of courageous leaders who can inspire political will and mobilize resources to close divides and pursue solutions that benefit humanity,” he noted. “We face a choice: to retreat or to remain steadfast, renew our commitments, and work together to reform. The choice we make will define our legacy.”
He called for robust international cooperation, diplomacy, and unwavering adherence to UN principles, emphasizing that trust is essential for effective multilateralism.
Ratu Wiliame urged for a heightened focus on cultivating a culture of peace, which he deemed critical in light of the Blue Pacific Continent’s experiences with war and conflict—a region that has borne witness to the terrors of violence during the World Wars and the testing of dangerous weapons.
Reports indicate that China successfully conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test on Wednesday, viewed as a message to the United States and its allies amid ongoing regional tensions. The missile, launched at 8:44 am Beijing time, was said to have been part of routine annual training conducted by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force and was not aimed at any specific country or target.
Stay tuned for further updates.