Fiji Submission – Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf on the Partial Submission of Fiji on the Outer Limits of the Continental Shelf for the Lau-Colville and Tonga-Kermadec Complex Region

Fiji appeared before the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to present its partial submission on the Outer Limits of the Continental Shelf for the Lau‑Colville and Tonga‑Kermadec Complex region. The presentation took place today in the margins of the Sixty‑Sixth Session of the Commission.

The delegation was led by Deputy Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, Mr. Vueti May supported by Second Secretary Mrs. Aliti Drauna, technical experts Mr. Malakai Vakautawale of the Pacific Community (SPC) and Dr. Alain Murphy, Director of Geolimits.

Fiji remains hopeful for the Commission’s consideration of its submission, the outcome of which will be communicated in due course. Guided by the spirit of cooperation, peace, and unity with its neighbouring countries, Fiji reaffirms its commitment to the Blue Pacific Continent and to the peaceful resolution of maritime issues in accordance with the Pacific Way and the Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration.

The CLCS, established under Annex II of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is mandated to make recommendations to coastal States on matters relating to the establishment of the outer limits of their continental shelf pursuant to Article 76(😎 of the Convention.

As the first country to sign and ratify UNCLOS, Fiji remains steadfast in its commitment to the Convention and to the collective responsibility of safeguarding the ocean as a sanctuary of peace, cooperation, and shared stewardship for future generations—an aspiration strongly upheld by Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka under the Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration.

Fiji was also among the first countries to sign the BBNJ Agreement in September 2023 and subsequently ratified it on 9 June 2025, further demonstrating Fiji’s commitment to the rule of law and multilateralism.

This submission reflects the sustained commitment of the Government of Fiji through the former and current members of the Maritime Affairs Coordinating Committee (MACC), chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade. Fiji expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of the United Kingdom for its funding support, and to the Pacific Community for the technical advice provided by Mr. Malakai Vakautawale and Dr. Alain Murphy.

Fiji looks forward to the outcome of the Commission’s consideration to inform the next steps in this important national endeavour.