Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad has reaffirmed the Prime Minister’s message on the urgency of keeping global temperature increases below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
During the announcement of the Fiji delegation for the Conference of Parties 29, Prof Prasad emphasized the importance of aligning the Fiji delegation’s ambitions with the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance, which serves as a proxy for the aim of maintaining global average temperature rise within the 1.5-degree target. He described this goal as the Pacific’s fundamental principle and guiding aim.
He stated, “With these priorities in mind, we must remember that these are international negotiations. Achievements come from consensus, not voting or bravado. We need to foster the consensus necessary for reaching agreements and making collective decisions.”
The Minister for Finance outlined that the primary focus should be on the increasing challenges posed by climate change and its impacts on sustainable development and security. He pointed out the significant gap in funding currently addressing these issues versus what is needed to create lasting resilience and transform our economies.
Prof Prasad noted that COP29 presents the opportunity to confront this critical issue and expressed his satisfaction at gathering in Suva with partners to further rally support for the concerns of Pacific Island nations. He emphasized the need for negotiators to have the backing and encouragement required to advocate for regional interests in Baku.
He also underscored the necessity of safeguarding this opportunity from contemporary geopolitical influences.
“While COP29 is not officially designated as a milestone event, it is a crucial meeting that will lay the groundwork for implementation and ambition shaping future actions. This makes it a pivotal moment that demands a cohesive and strong voice across various agendas and discussions. It is our duty as civil servants to represent the needs and interests of our communities and future generations by crafting a bold and strategic shared narrative, and to firmly deliver clear and assertive positions,” he concluded.