President Baron Waqa

President Waqa received the award from the World President of the BrandLaureate, Dr KK Johan at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on 27 June.

The award recognises the president’s work and leadership on climate change where he chaired the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) leading the charge of small island states in their deliberations in the various platforms including at the Conference of Parties (COP) talks.

Nauru President and Chair of the Pacific Island Forum, Baron Waqa says with the growth of the technological sector, human interaction must be maintained.

“Climate change and technological advancement for Pacific people, but when we talk about next generation skills, we are not just talking about technological advances and technical solutions such as the cloud computing, robotics and artificial intelligence, important as they are.”

“ We are also talking about those skills that will allow us to flourish in our full humanity,” Waqa said.

“We stand with @jacindaardern to condemn violence and hatred,” President Waqa said on the Government’s Twitter account.

“The prayers of our nation are with you. May God bring you peace.”

President Waqa also issued a statement in his capacity as Pacific Islands Forum Chair.

He expressed shock and sadness at the tragic events in Christchurch, which claimed the lives of 50 people and left dozens injured.

Ambassador-designate Carlos Manuel Rojas Lago began his visit with a courtesy call on the Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade Michael Aroi, and was then received by the Commissioner of Police Corey Caleb for the playing of the national anthems and inspection of the Police Guard of Honour.

Later, Ambassador Lago was escorted to the Office of the President for the presentation of Credentials. 

We have much to be thankful for – health, family, friends, our lifestyle, financial blessing and the freedoms we enjoy as part of a Christian democracy.

At this time we also remember – with sadness and fondness - those family and friends we lost from this life over the past twelve months, but we are comforted in the knowledge that they are now enjoying eternal peace. We also celebrate the many new lives created across our island nation. Our children are indeed our future. 

The State House is to be constructed at Cliff Lodge, which began as the home of the manager of the British Phosphate Commission and later became the residence of the manager of the Nauru Phosphate Corporation.

The government has leased the land from the 22 landowners for a 50-year period with a right of renewal.

The government's Nauru Bulletin said the island had not had a residence for its president for many years.

Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta Baron Waqa, President of Nauru 

During their conversation, Waqa asked Netanyahu that Israel assist his country in medical training, water, waste management and innovation.

"You have been our wonderful friend," Netanyahu said. "It's a pleasure to receive you in the land of Israel and the State of Israel."

"I hope you have an excellent visit that reflects our excellent relations."

On Sunday, Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely (Likud) thanked Waqa for his country's longstanding support for Israel at the United Nations, according to a report on israelnationalnews.com

RNZ reports Baron Waqa accused the foreign media of using Nauru as a punching bag.

The President's comments, in an article in the Australian newspaper, came two weeks after the publication of more than 2,000 reports of abuse or mistreatment of inmates in the Australian-run detention centre on the island.

This was preceded by a review conducted by Amnesty International that graphically detailed the extent of the abuse and ill treatment.

But Mr Waqa said Nauru hosted the refugees and asylum seekers with compassion, understanding and professionalism.

Instead, he's asked the more than 160 world leaders here in Paris for the 21st Session of the Conference of Parties (COP21) of the UN climate change body to choose wisely and agree to an ambitious and legally binding agreement.