In a recent Ministerial statement, Professor Biman Prasad, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, acknowledged the significance of participating in multilateral events, specifically the Conference of Parties (COP), to ensure that Fiji’s unique challenges in climate change are addressed.
He emphasized the preparations undertaken this year, which were led by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change with support from the Ministry of Finance. These preparations included organizing technical working group meetings, drafting thoroughly consulted policy briefs, creating a communications strategy, and providing pre-departure briefing sessions for ministers and government officials to enhance their engagement in the conference.
This year, Fiji brought a 57-member delegation to COP, with 90% of these delegates funded by external partners through annual funding arrangements designed to facilitate the participation of small island states in such vital discussions. The total expenditure for Fiji’s involvement in COP29 amounted to FJD $239,000.
Professor Prasad highlighted that Fiji focused on 14 key thematic areas during the conference, including climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, mitigation, and issues concerning indigenous peoples and gender. He pointed out that addressing the climate crisis is not just vital for environmental protection but also essential for safeguarding the livelihoods of Fijians and ensuring the economic stability and growth of the nation. He stressed the need for predictable and adequate climate finance to respond to the challenges faced by small island states.
The conclusion of COP29 brought forth a decision to pursue a collective goal for climate financing, aiming for a target of USD $1.3 trillion annually by 2035, with a commitment for developing countries to contribute $300 billion of that figure each year.
This proactive engagement in significant international discussions reflects Fiji’s commitment to addressing climate-related issues and highlights the collaborative efforts necessary to combat global challenges.
As the world continues to confront the impacts of climate change, Fiji’s involvement in COP and its emphasis on secure financial commitments serve as a hopeful reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation in overcoming these challenges together.
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