The Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS) is taking a significant step forward by compiling its first official statistics on climate change, marking a pivotal moment in the enhancement of the nation’s climate data systems. This initiative is celebrated with the launch of a two-day National Workshop focused on Advancing Climate Change-Related Statistics, aimed at bolstering Fiji’s commitment to evidence-based climate action and sustainable development.
The workshop brings together policymakers, researchers, and various advocates to assess Fiji’s progress in climate statistics, improve the quality of data collected, and promote better coordination across different sectors. FBoS Chief Executive Officer, Kemueli Naiqama, highlighted that this initiative fosters collaboration with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which began in 2024. The support from ESCAP aims to adopt a whole-of-government approach that ensures climate data accurately reflects the multifaceted realities across the environment, economy, infrastructure, and public health.
“Climate change is a lived experience for every Fijian,” said Naiqama, emphasizing that accurate and high-quality climate statistics are vital in understanding the changes occurring, identifying vulnerable populations, and determining the most effective response strategies.
In addition to this workshop, Fiji has effectively launched two key publications that underline its commitment to climate information—the Climate Change-Related Statistics Release and the Gender-Climate Change Nexus Data Brief. The first publication, released in August 2025, consolidates critical data regarding climate drivers, emissions, impacts, and national responses. Similarly, the Gender-Climate Data Brief published in October 2025, sheds light on the differing effects of climate change on men and women across Fiji, reinforcing the necessity of integrating gender perspectives into climate policies.
Both publications are being discussed at the national workshop, allowing stakeholders to identify data gaps and shape the next phase of Fiji’s climate statistics work until 2028. This concerted effort underscores a crucial understanding that reliable, transparent data is indispensable for informed decision-making that enhances climate resilience and sustainable development in Fiji.
The recognition of these steps is not merely confined to national boundaries; they align with broader regional initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity for data-driven decision-making concerning climate adaptation and mitigation strategies across the Pacific. As Fiji continues to bolster its climate data framework, there is optimism that these measures will contribute to a sustainable and resilient future, not just for Fiji, but also for other small island nations grappling with the devastating impacts of climate change.
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