At the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka delivered a powerful appeal for global peace, rooted in Pacific values and Fiji’s long-standing commitment to multilateralism and peacekeeping.
Key Messages from His Address:
- “Ocean of Peace” Vision: Rabuka reaffirmed the Pacific’s declaration of the region as a zone of peace, free from geopolitical rivalry and grounded in mutual respect, sovereignty, and human rights.
- Climate Justice & Security: He warned that climate change is redefining global security, threatening low-lying Pacific nations, and called on major emitters to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund and phase out fossil fuel subsidies.
- Truth, Fairness & Reconciliation: Rabuka emphasized that sustainable peace requires honesty, justice, and inclusive diplomacy. He criticized selective narratives in global conflicts and urged the UN to uphold dignity for all people.
- AI & Peacebuilding: Addressing the UN Security Council, he advocated for global governance of artificial intelligence to ensure its responsible use in conflict prevention and humanitarian response.
- Fiji’s Role: He highlighted Fiji’s 55 years of independence and its status as the largest per capita contributor to UN peacekeeping, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to principled diplomacy and regional leadership.
Rabuka’s message was clear: peace is not just a political goal—it’s a moral imperative shaped by the Pacific Way, a tradition of dialogue, respect, and unity.
