STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE HON. MOSESE BULITAVU PACIFIC - FRANCE LEADERS’ SUMMIT

His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron,
Leaders of the Blue Pacific,
Excellencies,
 
On behalf of my Prime Minister, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, I have the honour to address this distinguished Forum and provide a few remarks.
 
Mr. President,
We are at a crossroad of geo-strategic tensions, economic uncertainty, and a worsening climate crisis, poverty, inequalities. and injustices everywhere. The challenges are daunting.

Peace has become more valuable than ever.

The sovereign nations of the Blue Pacific know the value of peace having lived through the horrors of its absence when Fiji stood with France and its allies. Our vast ocean space, over which we exercise our jurisdiction and stewardship has been a theatre of the two World Wars, and a testing ground for the most dangerous weapons – the impacts of which are still felt today.
 
However, the collective voice of the Pacific is loud and profound. We reaffirm our shared belief in the ideals of Peace, a key pillar of multilateralism, and as outlined in the UN Charter. This commitment also aligns with a fundamental principle of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which Fiji holds the distinction of being the very first signatory: the peaceful use of the ocean and its resources. This is the core of Our Prime Minister, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka’s vision for a Pacific Ocean of peace in our region.
 
To promote global peace, Fiji - has proudly contributed more personnel to UN Peacekeeping missions per capita since 1970.
 
While major powers engage in Geopolitics and strategic competition - in the Blue Pacific, our security concerns are more tangible and pronounced directly impacting our sovereign resources and the well-being of our people. These threats include Climate change; Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing; marine and environment pollution; and transnational crime, particularly the influx of illicit drugs that poses a growing threat to Fiji’s communities and future.
 
The economic well-being of all countries is dependent on goods and commodities flowing freely, safely and unhindered across our Pacific waters, connecting countries, people and communities. Our shared prosperity depends on peace and security across our vast ocean space.

Partnership, political commitments, science, finance, and technology is vital to protecting our vast ocean space.
 
Mr. President,
Trust is a pre-requisite for effective partnership, and for promoting Peace. We have a common responsibility to manage rivalries and to respect and reinforce mutual values and uphold international rules.

For the Blue Pacific, ensuring the wellbeing of our people, and our continued resilience and upholding people-centred development, driven by our own priorities and sovereign choices is a key priority within the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
 
Lasting peace can only be achieved when all voices are heard, and all stakeholders are engaged in the process. We must not underestimate the power of dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility. By embracing these values, we can create a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous world for all. Just as Fiji stood steadfast with France in its hour of need, we now look to France to stand with us, as true partners and equals, in addressing the pressing challenges that define our time in the Blue Pacific.
 
I thank you Mr. President.
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