Your Excellency, President of UN GA

Your Excellency, Secretary General of the UN

Excellencies

In 1945, Fiji and none of its Pacific Islands family were at the table that crafted the Charter of the United Nations. We could not because we were not free. As we look back to June 26th , 1945, we are reminded that it is this Charter that provided the fundamental framework within which Fiji and so many other countries acquired their independence. Fifty years ago, Fiji assumed its own seat in the UN General Assembly, as a full and equal member of this global community of nations.

As we celebrate this lighthouse of our shared values and as we build a UN for the next 75 years; it is to this fundamental promise of equality that we most look to with the greatest hope. Working as equals, grounded to our shared values reflected in our Charter, we will overcome the grave global challenges that we face today: from COVID19 and future pandemics; to an interrelated climate-oceans-and ecological emergency; to a worsening digital divide; to a growing divide between women and men; to the growing frustration of our young with lack of opportunities and representation; and to a growing inequality between our countries. By remaining firmly rooted to our timeless Charter; working as equals, with respect for all voices, we will overcome all of these extraordinary challenges. Men, women and young people across the world expect this of us. Fiji proudly joins all member states in reaffirming our fundamental belief in the infinite promise of the Charter of the United Nations.