SG WAQA
REMARKS FOR FIJI DAY CELEBRATION, 9th OCTOBER 2024, Forum Fale
Distinguished Guests, Senior Officials, Secretariat staff, Ladies and Gentlemen. Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Namaste, and warm greetings to you all on this very special occasion.
Vinaka vaka levu for joining us here at the Secretariat for our Fiji Day celebrations. I acknowledge Fiji’s Roving Ambassador H.E. William Toganivalu, for agreeing to be part of our celebrations here today.
Today, we celebrate Fiji’s independence under the theme “Noble Banner Blue”, inspired by the Fiji National Anthem [and flag], which was first hoisted on 10th October, 1970.
54 years later, the Blue Pacific has witnessed and been a part of Fiji’s transition from British colony, to a proud independent global leader on issues important to our corner of the world.
Fiji has a rich and proud history, that we often draw inspiration from.
For the Forum, this dates back to 1971, when Fiji and other like-minded countries at the time gathered and founded this very
institution.
We must not underestimate the significance of Fiji’s independence, and self-determination more broadly, in the journey of Pacific regionalism.
Indeed, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, first coined the term ‘the Pacific Way’ at the UN, in 1970. He used it to symbolise to the world our way of life. Our way of being and he imparted on global leaders our way of emphasising moderation, respect, consensual
dialogue, inclusiveness, as well as preparedness to negotiate flexibility, adaptation and compromise.
These values continue to be truer today, than ever before.
Indeed, as I reflect on my identity, I do so as a Nauruan, ever proud and honoured of my Fijian heritage.
I am proud that my forefathers sat with our leaders all those years ago, to begin this chapter of our regionalism journey. I am proud that our institution has since welcomed 11 other full members.
I draw on this – every day – for leadership, inspiration and guidance.
Fiji has a special place in all our hearts. In fact, some of us know the streets of Suva better than the streets back in our own countries.
Our children and grandchildren know Fiji – many have grown up here.
Our relatives back home often speak about Fiji – because we speak so fondly of it.
I can tell you that when I arrived in Nadi to take on my role earlier this year, in a way I had left home, but I was also coming home. I am sure that for many of you, landing at Nadi Airport stirs up similar emotions.
And it’s not just Fiji that will be marking this occasion.
Wherever you go in the world, you will find a piece of Fiji. Many Fijians support our public sectors back home. Many support our hospitality industries. Many are bringing peace to conflict zones on the other side of the world.
This week, every corner of the world will have a celebration for Fiji, and the good that it does for our global community, and our
Blue Pacific. I also acknowledge and thank the government and people of Fiji, for hosting the region and its Secretariat on the hill of Nasonini.
To all Fijians, I wish you the happiest of Fiji Days and thank you for everything you do for our beloved region.
I wish you all a joyous Fiji Day tomorrow.
May God Bless Fiji. Vinaka Va ka Levu, Dhanyavaad, Fai’aksia and Thank You!--ENDS
