United Nations General Assembly

The Parties to the Nauru Agreement have been pushing to establish an internationally recognised event for the past five years.

The PNA's chief executive Ludwig Kumoru, who is currently attending the annual meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission or Tuna Commission, in Nadi, said the move confirms the world's appreciation of the value of tuna.

Tuna is a primary source of revenue for Pacific Island governments and is a key part of food security in the region.

Photo: 123 RF

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York on 19 September, he said: "It also demonstrates the bilateral and regional cooperation with Australia and other partners since 2012, to address not only refugees and migrants but combat the despicable acts of people smuggling and human trafficking for profit by criminal syndicates and others”.

Pato was amongst world leaders who participated at UN meet to seek solutions to the escalating global humanitarian crisis concerning the large movement of refugees and migrants.

Citing the UN Charter, Waqa said the 23 million people in Taiwan should have the same fundamental rights as others, regardless of the country's size.

He said Taiwan has contributed to the World Health Organisation and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and has supported the UN's goal of sustainable development.

Taiwan also took the lead in the development of low-carbon economy, Waqa said.

“I speak as an islander who has walked the shores of many atoll islands, where there was once sandy beaches and coconut trees. Now there are none. I am told this will continue,” President Peter Christian of Micronesia told the Assembly on the fourth day of its 70th annual General Debate.

“While we wait in fear for the predicted and inevitable sea level to rise, other effects of global warming, like stronger ocean currents and more frequent typhoons, continue to wash away shorelines and topple tress, not waiting around for the sea to rise above the land.”