Singh urges unity on global reforms

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh has called for Pacific nations to approach ongoing reforms of the global multilateral and financial systems with confidence, agency and unity.

Speaking during the Leaders’ Dialogue with Associate Members, Country Observers and Observer Organisations at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau, Singh said reforms currently taking place internationally would have significant implications for development cooperation, financing and the Pacific’s ability to respond to growing economic, climate and social pressures.

“Reform is not only about institutions and financing, but also about whose voices are heard, how decisions are made, and whether those decisions respond to the realities of our people,” Singh said.

He said Fiji believed Pacific priorities must remain at the centre of decisions affecting the region.

“Fiji believes we should engage these changes from a position of confidence, agency and unity; one where Pacific priorities remain at the centre of decisions affecting our region,” he said.

Singh also welcomed the UN80 Reform Initiative as a response to financial and structural pressures within the United Nations system.

However, he stressed that the implications of the reforms for Multi-Country Offices operating in the Pacific needed careful consideration.

Singh said Fiji wanted these offices to remain operational to ensure Pacific countries continued to receive effective support and maintain strong engagement with the UN system.

The Leaders’ Dialogue formed part of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau.