Climate Impact on Children Tops UNICEF Executive Director’s Fiji Agenda
19/07/2024
Ministry Pays Tribute to the Late Dr Tupeni Baba
20/07/2024Published On: 19/07/2024
Fiji is committed to strengthening its partnership with UNICEF and addressing shared priorities to create an inclusive and sustainable future for the present and future generations.
This was affirmed by the Acting Prime Minister Hon. Manoa Kamikamica while speaking at the official reception to welcome the UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) Executive Director Catherine Russell during her first official visit to Fiji and the Pacific, this week.
In his remarks, Acting Prime Minister thanked Ms. Russell for her timely visit to Fiji to further strengthen UNICEF’s partnership with the Pacific region.
The first of such visit, re-affirms UNICEF and Fiji’s shared commitment to maintain an enduring partnership towards providing equal opportunities, access and a conducive environment for every child in Fiji and across the Pacific to be able to reach their full potential in life.
On the same note, the Acting Prime Minister commended the UNICEF’s continued support to Fiji through targeted programmes aligning with Government’s commitment on childcare and welfare in Fiji, and the provision of humanitarian and relief assistance, technical support during some of our most challenging times.
In her remarks, Ms. Russell said the UNICEF and the Fiji Government share a strong partnership rooted in our commitment to children’s rights and well-being.
The UNICEF Executive Director acknowledged Fiji’s significant progress on the issues which affect children, including on accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She said in the Pacific, we can strongly demonstrate our commitment to “leaving no child behind” by reaching the most vulnerable children with the support they need, particularly this includes children living on remote islands those affected by climate-induced disasters or poverty, children with disabilities and girls.
Further, Ms. Russell said, “If we get it right here, we can show the rest of the world what we can achieve for children when we work together. I urge you to join us in being the fiercest of champions, and advocates for children. The decisions you take will have a lasting impact on the future of every child in the region.”
UNICEF’s Executive Director thanked the Government of Fiji for the kind hospitality and warm welcome accorded to her during her first visit to Fiji and the region.
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