Fiji was proudly represented at a major United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) associated event, titled “Towards the World Summit for Social Development: Contributions from Asia and the Pacific,” held on 24 February 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The delegation from Fiji included Ambassador Amenatave Yauvoli, Fiji’s Permanent Representative to UNESCAP and Ambassador to Indonesia, along with Anasilini Turaga, Senior Foreign Service Officer, and Vasiti Cirikiyasawa, Second Secretary at the Fiji Embassy in Indonesia.

The delegation also worked under the policy guidance of Eseta Nadakuitavuki, Permanent Secretary of Women, Children and Social Protection.

During the opening panel, Ambassador Yauvoli shared Fiji’s valuable lessons in achieving equitable growth and inclusive development, particularly addressing the challenges posed by climate-related vulnerabilities.

The delegation emphasized the importance of strengthening social protection systems, especially to protect marginalized groups.

The inputs gathered at this event will be incorporated into a draft outcome document, which will be negotiated during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Additionally, the event served as a precursor to ESCAP’s Twelfth Asia-Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development, which takes place from 25-28 February in Bangkok, where Fiji will continue to be represented.

The Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled for November 2025 in Qatar, will build on the principles outlined in the Copenhagen Declaration (1995) and foster renewed dialogue on social development.