NADI, Fiji, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama stressed here on Friday the need of multilateralism in the international community.

"On the international stage, unity is forged by the ethos of multilateralism. And as history has shown us, unity, driven by a multilateral approach, is the key to global prosperity," Bainimarama said while addressing the opening of the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)'s Board of Governors which is being held in Nadi, the third largest city of Fiji.

Achieving unity takes trust, respect and mutual understanding, he said, adding that people can not turn their backs on that proven pathway to global growth and development, especially given the present economic forecasts.

Bainimarama also urged nations across the world to unite in addressing the threat of climate change.

He said the vulnerability to climate impacts is not isolated to Fiji or even to the Pacific island countries.

"The growing ferocity of storms, the rising seas, and changing weather patterns are a global phenomenon, and no people, no economy and no nation will be spared the consequences," the prime minister said.

With the theme of "Prosperity Through Unity," the ADB's 52nd annual meeting has attracted finance ministers, central bank governors, government officials, private sector representatives, development partners and media from Asia and the Pacific region.