As Fiji prepares for the upcoming 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 29), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, defended the nation’s delegation against criticism from Unity Fiji Leader Savenaca Narube regarding its size and funding. Prof Prasad emphasized the necessity for Fijian representation at the climate summit, arguing that it plays a critical role in advocating for financial and political support to address pressing climate challenges.
In addressing Narube’s assertions about the size of Fiji’s delegation, Prof Prasad pointed out that when Fiji presided over COP in 2017, the number of delegates was 75, with total participation—including party overflow—reaching nearly 307. Last year’s COP28 saw 67 delegates, contradicting Narube’s claim about this year’s delegation being the largest.
He revealed that approximately 91 percent of the total delegation cost, roughly $1.2 million, has been funded externally, bolstering the case for the delegation’s size and necessity. Out of the 56 delegates, 51 are externally funded, which includes three opposition members and delegates from various ministries.
The Deputy Prime Minister reinforced the importance of COP29 as a strategic platform for securing financial commitments and fostering international cooperation to uphold the 1.5-degree Celsius target established by the Paris Agreement. He highlighted that successful outcomes will depend not only on technical discussions but also on political advocacy and engagement with major players.
Prof Prasad’s remarks stress that Fiji’s active role in the conference is essential for forming essential partnerships and ensuring long-term climate resilience. He asserted that reducing Fiji’s participation would undermine its ability to protect vulnerable communities facing the severe impacts of climate change.
Leading up to COP29, Fiji’s delegation plans to closely align with other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to advocate for more robust commitments from high-emission nations and ensure that climate finance meets the enormity of the challenges faced.
This moment not only serves as an opportunity for Fiji to demonstrate its climate leadership but also to enhance the Pacific’s role in creating a sustainable future. As efforts to combat climate change intensify, Fiji’s proactive stance could inspire other nations to follow suit, strengthening global solidarity in the fight against climate impacts.
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