UNGA81 Fiji Reaffirms The Importance of The Declaration on the Right to Development
24/09/2026
UNGA81 | Forum for India- Pacific Islands Cooperation Forum Ministers Meeting in New York
24/09/2026Published On: 24/09/2026
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka met with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan H.E Mr. Motegi Toshimitsu, on the margins of UNGA81 at the United Nations today.
During the bilateral meeting, Hon. Ditoka thanked Japan for their consistent engagement and support of Fiji’s development priorities as outlined in Fiji’s National Development Plan (NDP), including, health cooperation, climate resilience, economic security and sustainable development. Hon. Ditoka highlighted Japan’s expertise and contributions in advancing quality infrastructure, resilient supply chains, and technological innovation that countries like Fiji could learn from.
Japanese Minister, Mr. Toshimitsu shared his appreciation to the Hon. Ditoka for availing his time to meet during the busy High-Level week and acknowledged Government’s efforts towards the recent national crisis declaration and state of emergency of the escalating HIV epidemic.
Hon. Ditoka in response thanked the Japanese Government for their responsive actions to Fiji and the region during such crises. Minister Ditoka also acknowledged the pledge made by Japan to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) ensuring that the Facility stands ready to assist Pacific communities in combating climate change through mitigation and adaptation measures.
Hon. Ditoka highlighted the upcoming 6th PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting that will convene in Fiji later this year, December 2026 as preparatory to the main 11th PALM Meeting in Yokohama, Japan in 2027. Fiji looks forward to working with the Japanese Government in its lead up.
As countries prepare for the COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, Minister Ditoka took the initiative to raise Pacific Leaders’ priorities towards the Pacific Resilience Facility, also acknowledging the Japanese Government’s first financial contribution of nearly US3,000.00, Japan’s ongoing commitment and support to strengthening the climate and disaster resilience across Pacific Island Countries and implementation of the 2050 Strategy of the Blue Pacific Continent.
