Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics, Professor Biman Prasad, emphasized the government’s commitment to participating in multilateral processes like the climate change Conference of Parties (COP). He underlined the necessity of ensuring that Fiji’s perspectives and challenges are acknowledged at these critical forums.
Professor Prasad noted that this year, Fiji was well-prepared for COP, under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, with collaboration from the Ministry of Finance. The government organized technical working group discussions, crafted policy briefs, developed a communications strategy, and held preparatory briefings for ministers and officials attending the conference.
Fiji sent a 57-member delegation to COP, with 90% of the participants receiving full funding from external partners as part of annual support arrangements aimed at enhancing the participation of small island states. The total expenditure for COP29 engagement amounted to FJD $239,000.
In his address, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted 14 key thematic areas that Fiji is focusing on, including climate finance, ocean protection, loss and damage, mitigation, adaptation, and the roles of indigenous peoples and gender equity. He stressed that addressing climate change is essential not only for environmental preservation but also for safeguarding the livelihoods of Fijians and maintaining economic stability and growth. Access to reliable climate finance is essential for Fiji to effectively respond to the challenges it faces as a small island nation.
Furthermore, the final decision from COP29 included a collective goal aimed at raising climate financing from all sources to USD $1.3 trillion annually by 2035, with developing nations expected to contribute $300 billion each year within this timeframe.
This proactive participation by Fiji underlines the nation’s dedication to addressing climate challenges on both local and global scales, paving the way for a more sustainable future. Such commitment assures that the voices of small island states are amplified in critical discussions, fostering hope for effective climate action and support in the years to come.
Summary: Professor Biman Prasad emphasized Fiji’s commitment to global climate talks, highlighting the importance of multilateral engagement for addressing environmental challenges. The government organized extensive preparations for COP29, sending a well-funded delegation focused on critical issues like climate finance and adaptation. The drive to secure future funding aims to enhance resilience and protect the livelihoods of Fijians.
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