Fiji Reaffirms Enduring Commitment to Global Peacekeeping Operations

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka reaffirmed Fiji’s enduring commitment to global peacekeeping while delivering the closing address at the “Future of Peace Operations and Protection of Civilians: Perspectives from the Indo-Pacific” Conference in Suva on Thursday 23 July 2026.

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs and the Stimson Center, with support from the Australian Department of Defence and Global Affairs Canada, the four-day conference, brought together government representatives, United Nations officials, regional organisations, peacekeeping training centres and researchers to discuss the future of peace operations, the protection of civilians and evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The Conference also formed part of an international dialogue on implementing the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers.

Reflecting on his own experience as a young Fijian peacekeeper serving in South Lebanon, in 1985, Minister Ditoka acknowledged the sacrifices and challenges faced by Fijian peacekeepers serving in some of the world’s most complex conflict environments.

Hon. Ditoka said the conference provided a timely platform to strengthen partnerships and ensure peacekeeping remains responsive to emerging security challenges while upholding its core mandate of protecting civilians.

“As conflicts evolve, our responses must also evolve. But some responsibilities do not change. Our obligation to protect civilians remains fundamental. And our responsibility to protect children affected by armed conflict remains absolute. It is now our collective duty to translate the Vancouver Principles into action. Because behind every principle and every mandate are real people. And behind every decision made in a peacekeeping mission is a human being who must make that decision — sometimes in seconds,” Hon. Ditoka said.

The Minister underscored that the enduring values of peacekeeping—respect, cooperation, restraint, responsibility and an unwavering commitment to human dignity—must continue to guide international efforts.

“For us in the Pacific, these are not abstract ideas. Peace is about people. It is about families. It is about villages and communities. It is about people being able to live without fear. And it is about creating the conditions in which communities can rebuild, recover and determine their own future. That is ultimately why peacekeepers serve. And that is why the protection of civilians must remain at the heart of what we do,” Hon. Ditoka said.

Minister Ditoka paid tribute to commitment of our Fijian peacekeepers who continue to serve with distinction across United Nations peacekeeping missions, reaffirming Fiji’s steadfast commitment to advancing international peace, security and multilateral cooperation.

He also expressed Fiji Government’s sincere appreciation to the Stimson Center and the Governments of Australia and Canada for their valued partnership and support in delivering the conference.