President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere delivered a poignant address at the Summit of the Future, held alongside the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. He urged global leaders to prioritize peace, stating, “We must choose peace over conflict and respect the human rights of all, as enshrined in the UN Charter.”
With the theme “Summit of the Future; Multilateral Solutions for Better Tomorrow,” President Katonivere emphasized the dire state of the world. He noted the prevalence of conflict, the escalation of the climate crisis, and escalating inequalities. “The most vulnerable are the ones facing the brunt of these issues,” he said.
Looking ahead, he warned that future generations would bear the consequences of current inaction. “Tomorrow it will be our children, their children, and succeeding generations who will pay the price,” he added.
Katonivere called for collaboration among member states while underscoring the importance of a multilateral system that incorporates non-state actors, the private sector, and all segments of society. He concluded by stressing the urgent need for concerted efforts to realize a sustainable future, highlighting that there are only six years left to advance the Sustainable Development Agenda before the 2030 deadline.