Prime Minister Rabuka to promote Pacific as 'Ocean of Peace' at United Nations General Assembly

Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka is in New York to attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), where he is promoting his vision of the Pacific as the Ocean of Peace.

“This year’s UNGA is significant for Fiji and the Pacific region as I look forward to advancing my vision of the Pacific as the Ocean of Peace, a landmark declaration that was adopted earlier this month by the Pacific Leaders at their Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands,” Prime Minister Rabuka said.

The Pacific Ocean of Peace declaration, first introduced by Prime Minister Rabuka at UNGA78 in 2023, calls for the Pacific to be recognised as a zone of peace, unity, and cooperation, free from geopolitical rivalry and guided by a shared responsibility to protect the ocean and its people.

Mr Rabuka’s address at UNGA80 will highlight this milestone and reaffirm Fiji’s role as a global advocate for peace and security, multilateralism, climate action, and development. The declaration also invites partners to engage with the Pacific region and embrace the Pacific Way in advancing peaceful approaches to regional and international issues.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Rabuka and his delegation received a briefing from Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (PRUN), Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini, at the Fiji Mission in New York.

During his visit, the Prime Minister is expected to address high-level side events focusing on climate action, security, sustainable development, and migration, as well as hold bilateral meetings and roundtable discussions with regional and international leaders, partners, and organisations.

Fiji’s participation at UNGA80 highlights the importance of small island developing states having a unified voice in shaping international peace and security, particularly amid rising global tensions and the climate crisis.

Accompanying the Prime Minister are Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu, Minister for Health and Medical Services Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, Mrs Suluweti Rabuka, Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister Lesi Korovavala, and Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Raijeli Taga.

The UNGA80 general debate runs from September 23 to 29.