H.E. Mr. Filipo Tarakinikini, Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, as the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Fiji to ISA during a ceremony held at the ISA Secretariat.

Prior to his appointment as Permanent Representative of Fiji to ISA, Ambassador Tarakinikini served in several high-profile roles, including in the United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS) and in the Fiji Military Forces. His career highlights include leading inter-agency assessment missions to conflict-affected regions and serving as Chief Security Advisor in Jerusalem and Kathmandu. He also held leadership positions in United Nations peacekeeping missions and was Fiji’s battalion commander in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Ambassador Tarakinikini’s educational background includes training at the senior military Command and Staff College in Camberley and the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, both in the United Kingdom.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Tarakinikini emphasized Fiji’s dedication to ISA’s mission. “As a longstanding Council and ISA Member, Fiji will continue to uphold and safeguard ISA to act in the best interest of all, in particular the management and conservation of the “common heritage of mankind” as we commemorate the 30th Anniversary of UNCLOS,” he stated.

Secretary-General Lodge welcomed Ambassador Tarakinikini, highlighting Fiji’s longstanding contribution to the work of ISA. “The appointment of a Permanent Representative of Fiji to ISA is a testament to the strong relationship uniting Fiji with ISA. As the first country to sign and ratify UNCLOS, Fiji also was instrumental in the adoption of the 1994 Implementing Agreement and provided the first Secretary-General of ISA, Ambassador Satya N. Nandan.”

“Fiji has continued to contribute to the work of ISA as a member of the Council for many years and is actively supporting the development of the regulations to govern future mineral exploitation in the Area,” Mr. Lodge concluded.