Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad has emphasized the Prime Minister’s urgent message regarding the necessity of keeping global temperature increases below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
While addressing the announcement for the Conference of Parties 29 delegation, Professor Prasad stressed the importance of the Fiji delegation clearly aligning its ambitions with the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance, which directly relates to the goal of limiting global average temperature rise. He described this objective as the Pacific’s crucial “redline” and guiding principle.
He stated, “In pursuing these priorities, it is essential to remember that these are international negotiations. Achievements are made through consensus, not through voting or grandstanding. We must work towards building the consensus necessary for agreement and collective decision-making.”
The Minister for Finance articulated that the primary focus is on the growing impacts of climate change and its repercussions on sustainable development and security. He highlighted the significant gap between the current financing available for addressing these challenges and the substantial funding needed to build resilience and transform our economies.
Professor Prasad stated that COP29 presents, and indeed requires, a crucial opportunity to tackle these challenges. He welcomed the chance to gather with partners in Suva to foster consensus on the priorities of Pacific Island nations and empower negotiators to advocate for their interests in Baku.
He pointed out the necessity of ensuring that this opportunity does not become overshadowed by current geopolitical tensions.
“COP29 presents one of the most complex agendas encountered in recent times. While it may not be termed a milestone event by mandate, it serves as a foundational COP, crucial for establishing the frameworks for action in the coming decades. This moment demands a strong, united voice across various agendas and issues. As civil servants representing the interests of our communities and future generations, it is our duty to craft a bold, strategic narrative and consistently advocate for clear and daring positions,” he concluded.