Prime Minister Rabuka attends UNGA80 in New York

Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka is in New York to attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

The UNGA serves as the main deliberative and policymaking body of the United Nations, where all 193 member nations have equal representation and voice on global issues.

It functions as a unique forum for multilateral discussion on international matters, enabling leaders to negotiate, form alliances, and make recommendations through resolutions.

Prime Minister Rabuka said this year’s UNGA is significant for Fiji and the Pacific region as he looks forward to advancing his 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.

The Prime Minister first introduced this vision at the UNGA78 in 2023, calling for the Pacific to be recognised as a zone of peace, unity, and cooperation; free from geopolitical rivalry and driven by shared responsibility to protect the ocean and its people.

Hon. Rabuka’s address at the UNGA80 will highlight this milestone and reaffirm Fiji’s role as a global advocate for peace and security, multilateralism, climate action and development.

Further, the Ocean of Peace Declaration invites partners to participate with the Pacific region to embrace the Pacific Way in advancing peaceful approaches to resolving issues of concern.

Earlier this afternoon, 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.

He is expected to address high-level side events focusing on climate action, security, sustainable development, migration, and hold bilateral meetings and engage at roundtable discussions with regional and international leaders, partners, and organisations.

Fiji’s representation at UNGA80 reflects the importance of small island developing states having a unified voice in shaping international peace and security, particularly at a time when global tensions and the climate crisis demand urgent actions.

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

The UNGA80 general debate starts from September 23 to 29.