Speaker commends the work of Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the UN

The Speaker, Hon. Dr Jiko Luveni has congratulated the President-elect of the United Nations General Assembly and Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E.  Mr Peter Thomson.

During the afternoon break from the UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF) at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday 19/07/16, Hon. Dr Luveni and the Fijian Parliament delegation made a courtesy visit to the Fiji Mission.

The Speaker commended Ambassador Thomson’s hard work and dedication which contributed to his election earlier this year to the position of President of the UN General Assembly. She added the appointment has lifted Fiji’s profile and made it a shining beacon of light in the United Nations.

Hon. Dr Luveni also thanked the staff of the Fiji Mission for their support to the Fiji Parliamentary delegation, adding that their presence and assistance gave them confidence and reassurance when they attend high level UN meetings.

Ambassador Thomson briefed the delegation on some of the important work that the Fiji Mission at UN headquarters was doing. He also shared some light on some of the preparatory work for high level UN Conference on Oceans and Seas that will be held in Fiji in June 2017. The meeting will support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and Sustainably Use the Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources for Sustainable Development.

Ambassador Thomson said Fiji will benefit a lot from the conference, apart from the enhanced profile, there will be economic benefits as a very large number of people from around the world are expected to convene for the meet.

Meanwhile, after the second day of the UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the Speaker noted the need for Members of Parliament to increase their understanding of the SDGs.

She said MPs needed to keep in mind the SDGs in their work as these cover everyday issues affecting the lives of ordinary Fijians.

She added that knowledge about the SDGs would be valuable during MPs’ debate and deliberations on legislations and policies that comes before Parliament.