Hon. Qereqeretabua receives farewell courtesy call from UNICEF Pacific Representative

The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, received a farewell courtesy call from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Pacific Representative, Mr. Jonathan Veitch, marking the conclusion of his 4-year diplomatic term in Fiji.

During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters on Wednesday 3rd September 2025, Hon. Qereqeretabua on behalf of the Fiji Government, extended her sincere appreciation to Mr. Veitch for his commitment and service to Fiji and the broader Pacific region.

Furthermore, the Assistant Minister acknowledged UNICEF Pacific’s ongoing partnership with Fiji in promoting quality care and wellbeing of children in Fiji through numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing every child’s accessibility to education, health, water and sanitation and protection from violence.

Hon. Qereqeretabua reaffirmed the Fiji Government’s commitment to continue to build on the collaboration with UNICEF in creating an inclusive and sustainable future for the present and future generations.

The Assistant Minister conveyed her best wishes to Mr. Veitch for his future endeavors as he prepares to take on his new assignment abroad.

In his remarks, Mr. Veitch thanked the Government and the people of Fiji for their support, stating that it was a great honour and blessing to serve in Fiji.

The outgoing UNICEF Pacific Representative reasserted the organization’s continued support to Fiji and the Pacific, while expressing his gratitude to the Fiji Government for hosting the Pacific Head Office in Suva.

UNICEF works across 14 Pacific Island Countries to ensure every child and adolescent, especially those most excluded, can survive, learn, and thrive. This is in safe, healthy, as well as climate-resilient communities.

Additionally, UNICEF focuses on these key areas in Fiji and in the region: Health and Nutrition, Child Protection, Education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Early Childhood Development, Social Policy, as well as Gender Equality, Adolescent Development and Participation.

UNICEF continues to assist Fiji in achieving international commitments and national goals for a sustainable future.