International Year of Indigenous Languages High-level Event of the General Assembly 1 February 2019- General Assembly Hall

Fiji Statement

Madam President,

[All Protocol observed]

Fiji's aligns its statement with the statement on behalf of the Group of 77 & China and the statement issued by the Padfic Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS) delivered by the Permanent Representative of .

I take this opportunity to express Fiji's appredation to the President of the General- Assembly, for launching the International Year of Indigenous Languages at the General Assembly today.

Our special thanks to the President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, H.E. Evo Morales for his keynote address this morning. The protection, preservation and use of indigenous language is central to the identity of indigenous peoples.

Concepts that are expressed best in one's indigenous mother tongue, can be useful when applying traditional knowledge for the protection of our environment, biodiversity and restoration of our oceans, forests, rivers and ecosystems. Madam President, UNESCO has highlighted threats to indigenous languages in many countries.

In recognition of this threat, Fiji's 2013 constitution introduced the protection of indigenous language. It is now compulsory for the i-Taukei (indigenous Fijian) language to be taught in primary schools. This platform ensures further protection for our indigenous languages.

In Fiji, Hindustani is also taught and although not an indigenous language to Fiji, we acknowledge and respect its importance to the of Indian descent who have contributed greatly to a multi-cultural Fiji.

Furthermore, in , an island within the Fiji group which is both ethnically and linguistically distinct, the longevity of the Rotuman indigenous language is now ensured with its inclusion in the curriculum of all schools within Rotuma. With a population of 1500, this will ensure that the and culture is sustained, reinforced and expanded amongst school aged children.

More effort is required to sustain, protect and preserve indigenous language. Fiji's education system now provides i-Taukei language education at post-graduate level in Fiji's tertiary institutions. Investment in teacher training for i-Taukei language teachers is paying off as evidenced by the marked increase in the number of teachers and students at higher levels of formal language learning.

The protection and preservation of the indigenous benefits all groups who call Fiji home. In 2017, the Fijian Government launched a mobile app called "iVolavosa app" that enables people to better understand the complexities of the indigenous Fijian language, thereby fostering relationships among all Fijians and encouraging social inclusivity. Beyond iTaukei and other language learning, the government and Fiji's private sector have paid significant attention to develop national media capabilities, through improved programming and presence. Indigenous language news and entertainment is now broadcast across 50000 square miles in which Fiji's 300 islands and the communities within are located. TV content is growing. Print media in local indigenous languages are also expanding. These are positive trends and government dedicates substantial financial resources to this effort.

Indigenous language broadcasts have become an important tool for building resilience. Broadcasts during climate induced disasters enable communities to better prepare. During Fiji's most recent category 5 cyclone, Fiji was able to contain the death toll at 44. Had we not had the broadcast coverage, most significantly- indigenous language coverage, the death toll would have been far higher.

Less than half a million people speak the i-Taukei language. The Fiji Government introduced the use of the indigenous word "talanoa" at the global level to facilitate dialogue between governments, people and communities in order to tackle climate change as part of its COP23 Presidency. The utilization of an indigenous Fijian term conveys a core Fijian cultural principle; that issues, no matter how great or small, can be resolved and consensus can be reached through discussion and listening to one another.

I note Madam President, that you have introduced the equally powerful concept of'minga' to guide your breakfast discussions.

Madam President, Members of Fiji's indigenous communities now live and work across the world in UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and here in our host country. A small community of speakers need to find new ways of keeping the language alive across the diaspora communities. We expectthat through through indigenous music and television content, Fiji's indigenous diaspora will be better connected to their language and assist in the preservation of our language.

The iTaukei language fulfils a significant role in assisting in the restoration of our marine protected areas. Our understanding of how to protect and restore many species isstill only found within our oral traditions. Much of the knowledge needed to tackle the global challenges of the 21^ century, such as the loss of biodiversity on lands and oceans, the restoration of the health of forests and the sustainability of our oceans is contained within our indigenous languages.

In congratulating you for this debate, Idraw attention to the special case for protection of indigenous languages for communities whose numbers are so small: from less than half a million for iTaukei communities to less than 2000 for the Rotuman community.

I have also drawn your attention to the collective need to capture knowledge about medicine, biodiversity, reforming our environment and fighting climate change that is kept in our oral traditions only.

Finally. I hope I have made a strong case for the need for UN agencies to work closely withthe Fijian government in ensuring the preservation and protection of our indigenous languages.

We are grateful for this event at the United Nations and are optimistic that this will not only assist in the promotion and protection of indigenous languages across the world; but most especially across the Pacific which is home to 1200 indigenous languages - spoken by less than 9 million people.

I thank you. Vinaka vakalevu.