Lubrani looks back at 5 years in Fiji
Outgoing United Nations Resident Co-ordinator Osnat Lubrani recounted her five years in Fiji and the country’s progress during her farewell on Friday night. Government representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps, civil society organisations and development partners were at the Fiji Museum to give Ms Lubrani their well wishes.
Ms Lubrani said it had been hard for her to give a farewell speech because she had begun to feel like a Pacific Islander with Israeli roots.
“In fact, I just came to realise that I could almost become a Fijian citizen.
“But now, my new assignment takes me to colder realms, back to the Northern Hemisphere. So before I go, I thought to bid you a proper goodbye.”
She was at the helm of the Fiji Multi Country Office covering 10 Pacific Island Countries
Ms Lubrani said she had a fantastic five years in Fiji and the region where she met many incredible, amazing people. During this time she gained a real appreciation of the Pacific with all its ups and downs, its challenges and opportunities, its vastness and its smallness and its unbelievable beauty.
She said Fiji had a special place in her heart because it had been her home and place of retreat. Ms Lubrani said the upcoming elections in Fiji remind her of the time she arrived in Fiji in 2014. “There was much excitement in the air because the country was gearing up under a new constitution for its first elections since 2006,” she said.
“I felt heartened to have seen so many Fijians, old and young committed to play their part in shepherding Fiji back to democracy.
“Voter turnout was fantastic and I am sure that Fijians will again cast their vote in high numbers this time around. “Since then, much has been achieved, both nationally and internationally. This should be applauded.”
She has been impressed by how Parliament developed as a venue for lively and public debates.
With the respective Parliament committees work thriving, receiving contributions from citizens and other stakeholders as Members of Parliament from all sides analysed draft bills.
“I am certain that there is no limit in what Fiji can achieve, whether it is lifting up its own people or internationally, pushing for action against climate change and for ocean health.”