Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Fiji, encounter significant challenges in addressing the impacts of climate change, despite their minimal contribution of less than 1 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions. This was emphasized by Viliame Gavoka, the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, during the 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit, which he attended via livestream from the CAAF conference room in Namaka, Nadi, last Friday.
The event reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to confronting the pressing issues faced by the Global South. Gavoka expressed appreciation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for organizing the summit and acknowledged India’s vital role in highlighting the voices of the Global South on an international platform.
Gavoka stated, “The Global South is no longer a passive participant on the world stage,” adding, “We are actively reshaping our narrative to reflect our mutual aspirations for an equitable global order.” He highlighted that the theme of the summit, “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” aligns closely with their shared objective of addressing current challenges.
The term Global South refers to nations often categorized as developing, less developed, or underdeveloped. Gavoka pointed out that many of these countries are located in the Southern Hemisphere, mainly in regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He also noted India’s recognition as a key advocate for the voices of these nations within the Global South.
Furthermore, Gavoka stressed the importance of international partnerships and initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance in promoting effective energy transitions and sustainable development for the Global South.