Thank you Mr Chair.
Distinguished Heads of States and Heads of Governments.
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates
I deliver this statement of behalf of my head of government PM Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka how is unable to be here.
Chair let me start by extending my government's congratulations to our host His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni and the government of Uganda for successfully hosting the NAM and the Third South Summit. At this juncture I wish to acknowledge with humble gratitude the warm welcome and generous hospitality that has been accorded to my delegation in the last four days. The natural beauty of this land and the character of its people; are indeed as beautiful as a pearl.
I thank the government of Cuba for the wise and patient leadership of the G77 and China during the past year. I also thank the host of the Second South Summit, the State of Qatar for the strategic vision that led to the adoption of the Doha Declaration and Programme of Action, 19 years ago. We are optimistic that under the leadership of H.E. President Museveni, a new agenda for a prosperous, united and stronger South will emerge with vigor and commitment that will “Leave No One Behind”.
The World Economic Situation and Prospects report for 2024 paints a sobering picture as the global economy continues to face multiple crises, jeopardizing progress towards the attainment of our Sustainable Development Goals. Whilst several large economies are showing remarkable economic resilience, the simmering geopolitical tensions and the growing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events have increased underlying risks and vulnerabilities for developing economies, struggling to recover from pandemic-induced losses, while facing debt distress and investment shortfalls.
As we gather in this important Summit, I am reminded of the UN Secretary General Guterres' New Year message calling for 2024 to be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope by us coming together across divides for shared solutions. We must confront the potential and challenges that lie ahead for the nations of G77 plus China. Fiji like others underscores the critical role of multilateralism in navigating the complex global economic landscape and achievement of the SDGs.
Fiji is steadfast in its adherence to the values of cooperation, solidarity, complementarity, and unity that characterize the G77 plus China. We must work together to face down the threats that threaten our collective security. Our diversity is our strength, but it can be a weakness if it is exploited through disunity. Differences are normal in diverse communities, and for the G77 and China, unity must remain paramount above all else. This is the only way to leverage for our common good the power of 85 percent of the world's population that presently controls 39 percent of global GDP.
In this time of profound global change, Fiji supports a comprehensive and inclusive approach to sustainable development. The interconnectedness of our economies, our shared susceptibility to climate change, and the consequences of global health crises serve as frequent reminders that our fates are intertwined.
For Fiji and many other G77 plus China members, climate change continues to be one of the most urgent issues. As a Pacific Island nation, we are at the frontline of the disastrous repercussions of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Our lifeline, the oceans, is in danger from biodiversity loss and over exploitation. To combat climate change, we must all work together to ensure that the Paris Agreement of 1.5 remains within reach.
We recognize all efforts undertaken by the COP 28 President and the progressive steps arising from the UAE Consensus, sending critical signals for energy, transport and nature, and providing direction for the next round of national climate commitments (NDCs) due in 2025.
The COP 28 call to transition away from “fossil fuels" is the foot through the proverbial door into a situation we have been trying to get to ever since UN climate negotiations began 30 years ago. This and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund together with stated pledges, while significant, need to be implemented quickly.
Looking ahead to COP29 in Azerbaijan, Fiji wants to see breakthroughs on thorny and fundamental questions about finance. My delegation is hopeful that the COP Troika, plus members of this Group, will work through these issues for our collective future.
Fiji stresses the significance of sustainable and equitable economic practices. The G77 must advocate for equitable trade policy, technology transfer, and capacity building to empower our nations economically. The persistent economic disparities between industrialized and developing nations can be closed by creating an environment that supports progress for all.
Fiji has taken the lead in pursuing sustainable development by actively participating in programs that protect the environment and foster economic expansion. Our commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development demonstrates our determination to solve poverty, inequality, and environmental concerns. South-South collaboration allows us to pool resources and knowledge, which will hasten the process of accomplishing these common objectives.
In the wake of the ongoing global health challenges, Fiji calls for strengthened international cooperation. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for affordable and equitable access to vaccines, as well as resilient healthcare systems. No country should face the burden of health crises alone, and the G77 should serve as a platform for collaborative efforts to ensure the health and well-being of our people.
As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, technological advancements present both opportunities and challenges. Fiji urges the Group of Seventy-Seven (G77) to address the digital divide so that the advantages of technology are distributed fairly among our countries, all while leveraging innovation for sustainable development.
My statement will not be complete if I ignore the tragedy that is shouting at us from the Gaza Strip ever since the terror attack on 07 October. We call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages and for both sides to return to the negotiating table. And we call on those countries and leaders that can, to support both sides to reach a negotiated solution, and bring to an end this decades long conflict.
Mr Chair Fiji also wishes to highlight the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and cultural diversity as essential components of sustainable development.
We believe that culture that value peaceful coexistence are critical to maintaining peace, security, and solidarity. It fosters international cooperation required to address conflicts and promote peaceful resolutions. In this vein my head of government, together with Leaders of the Pacific Island Forum, have designated the Pacific Region as a Zone of Peace. They believe that the Pacific Islands culture of dialogue is indispensable for pacific settlement of disputes especially in de-escalating big power competitions in our region.
Excellency let us take this opportunity to renew our dedication to the values that unite the G77 and China. Fiji is prepared to collaborate closely with other members to create a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. Working together, we will overcome obstacles and create new opportunities and a more promising future for the nations and peoples of the G77.
I Thank you!
