Permanent Mission of Fiji to the United Nations, New York

09/10/2026

On 9 September, H.E. Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, delivered Fiji’s statement at the Meeting on Combating Antisemitism at United Nations Headquarters.

Ambassador Tarakinikini opened the address by acknowledging Ambassador Danny Danon, distinguished delegates and Jewish community leaders. Welcoming the Task Force, he reaffirmed Fiji’s resolute rejection of antisemitism and all forms of hatred.

Highlighting that protection requires concrete action rather than words alone, Fiji called for the full implementation of the United Nations Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism, adequate funding for the UN Focal Point, and comprehensive education on the history and consequences of antisemitism.

Addressing the issue of collective blame, Ambassador Tarakinikini underscored:

“Governments answer for what they do. Peoples do not.”

Fiji remains firmly committed to confronting hatred wherever it appears and against whomever it is directed—without exception and without ranking.

09/10/2026

🇫🇯 FIJI REAFFIRMS ITS CALL FOR A WORLD FREE OF NUCLEAR TESTING

At the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Plenary Meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day against Nuclear Tests, Fiji reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to nuclear disarmament and the elimination of nuclear testing.

Delivering Fiji’s statement, H.E. Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, underscored that Fiji speaks not only as an advocate against nuclear testing, but as a State that has lived its consequences.

Thirty years ago, Fiji became the first State in the world to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Fiji also welcomed the Kingdom of Tonga’s ratification in July 2026, which brought universal adherence to the CTBT across the Pacific region.

Ambassador Tarakinikini called on all States to:

-Maintain the moratorium on nuclear testing without conditions;
-Ratify the CTBT, particularly the remaining Annex 2 States;
-Sustain the International Monitoring System that helps detect nuclear explosions worldwide; and
-Uphold obligations to communities affected by past nuclear testing, including through remediation, healthcare and recognition.

As the world marks the longest period without a nuclear explosion since 1945, Fiji continues to remind the international community that the consequences of nuclear testing do not distinguish between powerful and small States.

Fiji was the first to ratify. We will not be the last to insist. 🇫🇯

09/08/2026

Tuesday 8 September 2026

Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini, Fiji's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, presided at the 41st Annual International Prayer Breakfast, held at the Delegates Lounge, United Nations Headquarters, New York.

A non-political, interdenominational gathering observed each year since 1985 to mark the opening of the General Assembly session, this year's breakfast welcomed Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos and Mr Khalilur Rahman, President-elect of the 81st Session, as Guests of Honour. Readings were given by the Permanent Representatives of Malta and Timor-Leste, and the Prayer for the United Nations was offered by the Permanent Representative of Liberia.

In his keynote, Bishop Andrew Williams took up the parable of the pearl of great price, and left the delegates with a thought worth carrying into the new session: that our work is not what justifies our place, but a service whose meaning is already secured.

A meaningful and inspiring prelude to the 81st UNGA Session.

07/05/2026

07/05/2026

THE TRUEST DIPLOMATIC SERVICE

Some service comes with a title. The truest service often comes without one.

Today, on the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, I want to honour my wife, Amele Tabuya-Tarakinikini a diplomat in every sense but the official one.

Hers is a DNA of service: to her family, to her people and culture, to her country, and to her God. It is the thread that has run through our life together across every posting and every continent.

In Jerusalem, she served as Executive Secretary of the Women’s Expat Network that served the women & children in Jerusalem & the West Bank. They raised funds to support the children’s cancer hospital in Israel & many others. She hosted weekly Bible Studies for women at our home for diplomats’ & UN spouses. Their annual Christmas ‘shoe box appeal’ - simply every child at the orphanage had a gift at Christmas.

In Kathmandu, she was President of the United Nations Women’s Organization; she led spouses of UN staff & local women of Nepal connecting them with UN agencies, foreign embassies & local business houses - doing social work & raising funds to support women & children of Nepal. They sent girls to school, they visited & supported orphanages & women’s health in rural areas were attended to by connecting them with local hospitals in Kathmandu. She also hosted Women’s Bible Studies in our home; and together with a few other diplomats’ spouses she started a Montessori Kindergarten at the top floor in our home, they hired 2 qualified teachers & shared the expenses for salaries & school supplies. That was also our youngest daughter’s first formal schooling.

And here in New York, from the day I took up the role of Permanent Representative, she set about restoring something at the Permanent Mission of Fiji to the United Nations, New York that matters deeply to us both: an emphasis on iTaukei cultural standards and the true dignity of how our nation carries itself before the world. This year she is a board member of the United Nations Delegations Spouse's Club - UNDSC & they raised over US$90,000 during their annual UN International Bazaar last month to support global humanitarian needs in collaboration with UN OCHA. She worked closely with the Australian Ambassador’s spouse bringing Pacific spouses together & proud to note that this year the children’s corner of the Suva City Canergie Library is also a recipient of this fund. Last year they supported a Literacy program for children in Papua New Guinea. The Pacific is recognized & acknowledged.

She has reached out to our Fijian diaspora, taken her place across the social committees of this community, and brought Fijian culture into every room as a living expression of who we are and what we value.

None of this appears in a communiqué. The Vienna Convention has no word for it. But missions rise or fall on the trust such work builds, and Fiji is the stronger for hers.

On this International Day of Women in Diplomacy, I also pay tribute to the many spouses and partners who quietly strengthen the work of diplomacy around the world. Their contributions may not carry official titles, but they leave a lasting mark on the relationships, trust, and understanding that diplomacy depends upon.

Vinaka vakalevu ‘Mele for a lifetime of quiet, faithful service. I am grateful beyond what words or protocol can record.

Filipo Tarakinikini
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Fiji to the United Nations

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07/05/2026

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06/29/2026

06/29/2026

The United Nations Charter is more than a founding document. It is a living covenant that continues to uphold the principles of sovereign equality, multilateralism, and hope for all nations. Addressing the UN Charter Day commemoration, H.E. Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini reflected on Fiji's journey from colonial rule to independent statehood, noting that although Fiji was not present when the Charter was signed in 1945, its promise of equal sovereignty made room for nations yet to be born. For Fiji, the Charter remains the foundation that has ensured every nation, regardless of size, has an equal voice in shaping the international community.

Drawing on Fiji's vanua traditions and his own experience serving under the United Nations flag, Ambassador Tarakinikini described the Charter as a sacred covenant - one built on trust, shared responsibility, and commitments that must be faithfully upheld. He reaffirmed that for Small Island Developing States, the Charter is not merely symbolic; it is a safeguard against conflict, climate change, and the notion that might makes right. His closing message was a powerful call to renew our collective commitment: "One Charter. One future. Better, always, together."

06/24/2026

On this International Day of Women in Diplomacy, H.E Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini extends his warmest congratulations and deep respect to the women who serve their nations and our common humanity around the negotiating tables of the world.

Diplomacy is, at its heart, the patient work of building bridges where others see only divides — and time and again it is women who bring to that work a clarity of purpose, a steadiness of conviction, and a moral seriousness that elevates us all. Here at the United Nations, and across the Pacific, I have had the privilege of working alongside women whose wisdom and quiet courage have shaped outcomes far beyond what the record will ever capture.

To my colleagues advancing the cause of small island states, to those carrying the voice of the vulnerable into rooms where it is too easily forgotten, and to the next generation of young women who will one day take up this calling — thank you. Your service honours your families, your nations, and the better future we are all striving to secure.

With respect and gratitude,
H.E. Filipo Tarakinikini
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Fiji to the United Nations