Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Professor Biman Prasad, emphasized the government’s commitment to participating in key multilateral forums, such as the Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP). He stressed the importance of ensuring that Fiji’s concerns are recognized and addressed within these international discussions.
In his Ministerial statement, Professor Prasad noted that the government made thorough preparations this year, spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change with the support of the Ministry of Finance. This preparation involved organizing technical working group meetings, creating well-researched policy briefs, formulating a communications strategy, and conducting pre-departure briefings for ministers and government officials.
A delegation of 57 members represented Fiji at COP, with 90% of the costs covered by external partners and existing funding arrangements aimed at facilitating small island states’ participation in these critical dialogues. The total expenditure for the government’s engagement at COP29 amounted to FJD$239,000.
Professor Prasad outlined 14 priority thematic areas Fiji aimed to engage in at this year’s conference. These areas included climate finance, loss and damage, ocean issues, mitigation and adaptation strategies, and the inclusion of indigenous peoples and local communities, as well as gender considerations. He underscored the urgent need to address the climate crisis not only from an environmental standpoint but also to safeguard the lives, livelihoods, and economic stability of the Fijian population.
Ultimately, he pointed out the new collective goal determined at COP29, which aims for climate financing from all public and private sources to reach USD $1.3 trillion annually by 2035. Within this framework, developing countries are expected to contribute $300 billion USD per year by that same deadline.
This proactive engagement by Fiji at international climate forums is a beacon of hope as it illustrates the country’s commitment to not only addressing climate change but also ensuring the sustainable development of its nation in light of emerging global challenges.
In summary, the government’s strong preparations and priorities at COP29 signal Fiji’s serious intent to tackle climate change, making it a crucial player in the global dialogue.
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