Fiji’s Civil Servants Urged to Weigh In on Climate Change Survey

Civil servants in Fiji have been called to participate in a critical survey focused on climate change, set to run from March 21 to April 15. This initiative marks a partnership between the Ministry of Civil Service (MCS) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC).

Samuela Moce, the acting permanent secretary of MCS, announced the survey via a circular dated March 12. The primary aim is to evaluate how climate change impacts daily operations within the public sector, alongside analyzing core human resource management practices. The effort is intended to bolster the government’s role in enhancing climate resilience by improving awareness, knowledge, and coordination related to climate change.

Mr. Moce stressed the significance of contributions from all public servants, no matter the direct connection to climate change. He remarked, “Candid responses to the survey are critical for an accurate understanding of the public sector.” The integrity of the survey is assured, as all responses will be kept confidential and anonymized.

This initiative emerges amid ongoing discussions regarding Fiji’s response to climate change and the obstacles posed by limited resources and capacity. Public Service Commission chairman Luke Rokovada recently emphasized the importance of making climate change information more accessible and integrating climate considerations into government budgeting processes.

The launch of this survey signifies a proactive measure to engage civil servants in climate action, acknowledging the growing impacts of climate change on essential sectors such as healthcare and emergency services. By tapping into the perspectives of public servants, Fiji seeks to enhance its climate resilience and governance strategies.

This effort represents a positive step toward involving the public sector comprehensively in climate discussions, encouraging collective engagement that could lead to more effective, informed policies. By fostering a sense of ownership among civil servants, Fiji not only aims to strengthen its climate resilience frameworks but also to inspire a commitment to the task at hand, contributing to a more sustainable future.