HE PRESIDENT RATU WILIAME KATONIVERE'S ADDRESS AT THE PACIFIC TRIPARTITE HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE ON DECENT WORK AND THE 2050 STRATEGY FOR THE BLUE PACIFIC CONTINENT

The International Labour Organization Director for Pacific Island Countries, Mr Martin Wandera;
Deputy Secretary General, Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, Mr. Esala Nayasi;
Honourable Ministers for Labour and Representatives that are visiting our beloved Fiji for this high level meeting;
Minister for Employment, Productivity & Industrial relations in Fiji, Honourable Agni Deo Singh;
Your Excellencies Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Permanent Secretaries from the Seven ILO Member Regional Countries;
Representatives from Employers Organizations;
Representatives from Workers Organizations;
Invited Delegates;
Ladies and Gentlemen; and 
Members of the Media.
 
Ni sa bula vinaka and a very good evening to you all.  It is my honour to welcome you all this evening and to address the Pacific Tripartite High-Level Dialogue on Decent Work and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific.
 
As Head of State, I especially acknowledge and extend a warm welcome to the esteemed representatives from governments, unions and employers across the Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand. My sincere appreciation extends to the organizers of this high-level meeting – the International Labour Organization and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, for their relentless commitment to progressing, in the Pacific region, the fundamental human right of decent work.
 
As the host country, I am pleased that this high-profile event is held in the hub of the Pacific, appropriately so as PIFS and the country office of the ILO, both critical leveraging agencies for Pacific Island governments, are homed here.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, the 21st century brought about a complexity of global challenges that required our global effort to strengthen coalitions, tightening policies, increasing innovation, and comprehensive knowledge-sharing, to address common concerns. These concerns include our collective efforts in combating climate change, the aftermath of COVID-19's disparities, exposing our acute vulnerabilities, and enhancing labour mobility and achieving social justice in the workplace in our respective economies across the Pacific region.
 
The emergence of digitalization of jobs poses a dilemma. While the digital transformation enhances organizational efficiency and performance, as well as financial resources, it also poses a challenge to job security and the future of work. No longer is the region confined to these issues of mutual interest as we continue to amplify our collective bargaining voice into the evolving dialogue and ensuring transformational changes in the international agenda. 
 
To this effect, I acknowledge the vital engagement and collaboration between governments, workers, and employers. This tripartism cannot be overstated in addressing the unique challenges faced by the Pacific region, as well as facilitating human-centered recovery efforts.
 
Legal arrangements such as the Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No.144) and supporting ILO recommendations exist to lay the foundation for open dialogue on broad social and economic issues, necessitating good governance, as well as creating pathways for more resilient social and economic structures. 
 
The tripartite empowers stakeholders to address issues such as decent wages, safe working conditions, social protection, gender equality, and employment growth, especially in challenging times amidst multiple crises on the international front that continue to impact our small island economies.
 
This partnership is crucial in navigating the complexities of our region, where economic challenges and external shocks often threaten our societies. From natural disasters to evolving labor markets, our challenges are as diverse as our Pacific nations.  As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global economy, it is essential to maintain the values enshrined in the Decent Work Agenda and strengthen the tripartite framework to ensure that no one is left behind.
 
Fiji is firmly behind this High-level Dialogue, recognizing its potential to advance regional discussions, share the best practices, and implement effective solutions. This aligns seamlessly with Fiji's dedication to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Singapore Statement, which was adopted at the 17th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting of the ILO in 2022, underscoring our collective commitment to socio-economic well-being and job creation.
 
The statement in the Strategy document effectively sums our collective responsibility – [I quote] “As Pacific leaders, our vision is for a resilient Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity that ensures all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy and productive lives.” [Unquote]
 
As vehicles for change, these instruments further strengthen the commitment to address the shared challenges at the national, bilateral and multilateral levels relating to the future of work in the Pacific region and ensuring equity for all.
 
In the Pacific, challenges such as natural disasters and economic setbacks significantly impact job security and job opportunities. It is imperative that we focus on creating decent jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and building resilience among workers and enterprises. Leveraging the digital and environmental transitions for job creation, addressing climate change, establishing robust social protection systems, and upholding fundamental principles and rights at work are paramount for the prosperity of Pacific people and communities. 
 
A connected thread to this discussion is the UN-sanctioned Sustainable Development Agenda and the relevance of Goal 8, which aims to achieve sustainable and economic growth for all, with a focus on decent work, resource efficiency, and social protection, all of which have the potential to contribute to improved livelihoods for our Pacific people.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am optimistic that this three-day Dialogue will serve as a catalyst for regional discussions, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices positioning Pacific Island Countries as key contributors to the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
 
We acknowledge the history of tripartite dialogues in the Pacific, and we look forward with confidence to continued collaboration between the International Labour Organization, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and all supporting stakeholders. I am certain that the outcomes of this Dialogue will shape the future work of PIFS and ILO in the Pacific, enabling us to achieve a more prosperous and equitable future.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, decent work is essential for the prosperity and development of the Pacific. Let us reaffirm our commitment to strengthening tripartism in the Pacific and the Decent Work Agenda of the ILO as vital instruments for promoting social justice, economic stability, and human dignity. 
 
In solidarity, we can create a world where every worker is valued, every voice is heard, and every individual can strive to a life of dignity and fulfillment. By fostering collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, we can create a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for our Pacific people and communities.
 
I wish to convey my best wishes for an engaging dialogue as you remain focused on human-centred pathways for decent work. 
 
May God bless us all and Bless our Blue Pacific! 
 
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank You.