Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka emphasized the importance of transparent, accountable, and well-governed climate finance in fostering resilience and adaptation at the 3rd International Conference on Climate Finance, Transparency, and National Resilience in Suva. In his opening remarks, Mr. Gavoka lauded the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants (FICA) for promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building, thereby establishing Fiji as a leader in climate policy and financing in the region.
Mr. Gavoka stressed that the pressing challenge for leaders is to act swiftly and effectively, as any delay in addressing climate risks can exacerbate costs and consequences. He said, “We have both a responsibility of care and a responsibility of leadership excellence,” advocating for forums that facilitate the sharing of insights and solutions aimed at bolstering Fiji’s and the Pacific’s capacity for resilient development.
Climate change poses intricate challenges, including rising sea levels and severe weather events, which necessitate both immediate adaptation efforts and long-term planning. Mr. Gavoka highlighted the significance of applied economics, research, and data-driven insights for informed decision-making and urged participants to enhance access to climate finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), improve transparency in fund allocation, and build resilience in national budgeting and investment strategies.
Encouraging collaboration across government, industry, and civil society, he pointed out that aligning financial strategies with resilient development goals is crucial for ensuring that Fiji and its Pacific neighbors lead in climate-smart governance. His call for transparency not only aims to strengthen trust in climate finance mechanisms but also seeks to deliver tangible, lasting impacts for communities affected by climate change.
Mr. Gavoka commended the efforts of FICA and the Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA) in organizing the conference, which he believes will inspire collaboration and enhance policy excellence. He envisions a future for the Pacific characterized not by vulnerability but by foresight, where evidence-based economics guides governance, positively uplifting every Fijian.
The discussions at the conference reflect a hopeful trajectory towards bolstering resilience against climate challenges in the Pacific, underscoring the importance of collaborative action and innovative strategies in achieving sustainable development goals amid the escalating impacts of climate change.
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