The new Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, Dr. Satyendra Prasad, presented his credentials in New York to the United Nations Secretary-General, H.E António Guterres.

In welcoming Dr. Prasad as Ambassador of Fiji at United Nations Headquarters, Secretary-General Guterres expressed his delight in meeting Ambassador Prasad and his readiness to work together on all UN issues.

In receiving Ambassador Prasad’s letter of credence, the Secretary-General conveyed the commendation of the United Nations to Fiji’s commitment and leadership on multilateral affairs at the United Nations in New York and around the globe.

Ambassador Prasad conveyed to Secretary-General Guterres the well wishes of His Excellency the President of Fiji, Major-General (Retired) Jioji Konrote, and the Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Voreqe Bainimarama, on behalf of the Government and People of Fiji. He assured the Secretary-General of Fiji’s active participation, engagement and cooperation with the Secretary-General and all member States at the United Nations.

During his brief meeting with Secretary-General Guterres, Ambassador Prasad reaffirmed Fiji’s continued commitment to multilateralism as the most effective means of addressing global challenges. He stressed the importance and urgency that Fiji places in tackling the grave challenges posed by climate change and ocean and marine degradation. Successfully overcoming challenges to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was also highlighted. Small island developing States like Fiji need to be able to access significant financing and other support to tackle the large challenges such as that of climate change.

Ambassador Prasad reassured the Secretary-General of Fiji’s steadfast commitment to enhancing cooperation with the UN on global peace and security, underlining Fiji’s ongoing support to UN peacekeeping missions.

Ambassador Prasad also expressed his privilege and honor to be Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations at a time when multilateralism was under pressure, compounded by the multilayered threats of conflicts in different regions of the world.

Diplomats at the Fiji Mission, First Secretary Gene Bai and Second Secretary Salaseini Tagicakibau accompanied Ambassador Dr. Prasad during the presentation of his credentials to the UN Secretary-General.