Address to Peace Summit 2023
May 2-5, 2023
The Chairman of the Universal Peace Federation International, Dr. Thomas Walsh; The Director General of Universal Peace Federation, Dr. Yun Young-ho; The Hosts for the Peace Summit 2023; Excellencies; Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good afternoon to all.
From the outset, I extend my appreciation to the Universal Peace Federation for the invitation to attend the Peace Summit 2023. It is indeed a privilege to provide my remarks in this very important Summit under the theme “Contemporary Challenges to Global Order: Toward a World Culture of Peace.”
Excellencies, I express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea for bringing the community of nations together through the summit to promote a culture of peace globally.
We in Fiji firmly commit ourselves in advancing peace and promoting a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society. We see multiculturalism as our key strength and we deeply tolerate and accept diversity and inclusiveness. Diverse cultural communities have always been integral to the fabric of Fiji’s societies, and we celebrate our diverse cultural heritage and identity with great pride. It is our tolerance for cultural and ethnic diversity that lays the foundation to achieve our common vision of peace and unity. We must promote peace, unity and inclusiveness and actively denounce any form of discrimination that divides and separates our communities.
Excellencies, in saying this, we need effective and transparent institutions that protect the rights of marginalized groups including ethnic minorities. I am proud to state that Fiji has ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination as part of its commitment to eliminate any form of racial discrimination. And more recently, our coalition government has re-established a full Ministry – the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs to ensure that all communities are equally looked after by the government through socio-economic and cultural enhancement and development.
Excellencies, Fiji is committed to building resilient partnerships in the Pacific through the Pacific Islands Forum to promote peace and security in the region. Today, the Pacific faces competing geo-political interests and emerging security threats and climate related issues.
In this context, Pacific Leaders have endorsed the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent to leverage our strategic and economic value whilst simultaneously addressing our most significant challenges, such as the existential threat of sea-level rise and climate change.
The 2050 Strategy is our opportunity to engage regionally and also with other nations to secure our long-term interests and success. Through the 2050 Strategy, we will ensure that we are a resilient nation that proactively responds to the climate phenomena, geopolitical and any security threats.
Excellencies, in the current context, there is a need for the region to act collectively to progress issues of significance, including health epidemics, climate change and disaster risk, food security, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, regional security, ocean governance, and economic resilience.
We call for your support, understanding and deeper engagement with our region to collectively address these challenges for the collective peace and security of our region.
In closing, I thank the Republic of Korea in promoting culture and peace through this summit.
Thank you.
To go to the Peace Summit 2023 Schedule page, click here.