President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere emphasized the importance of prioritizing peace over conflict during his address at the Summit of the Future, held alongside the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. He called on global leaders to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, which include respect for human rights and environmental protection.
In his speech themed “Summit of the Future; Multilateral Solutions for Better Tomorrow,” President Katonivere expressed concern over the current state of the world, noting that conflicts are ongoing, the climate crisis is worsening, and inequalities persist. He pointed out that it is the most vulnerable populations who bear the brunt of these challenges.
He warned that the consequences of inaction will impact future generations, stating, “Tomorrow it will be our children, their children, and succeeding generations who will pay the price of our inaction.”
The President urged nations to collaborate as member states under a multilateral framework that includes non-state actors, the private sector, and the entirety of society. He stressed the shared goal of achieving a sustainable future and highlighted the urgency of progressing the Sustainable Development Agenda with only six years remaining until 2030.