Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of 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 noted that it is essential for Fiji to ensure their concerns are recognized and addressed in global discussions.
This year, Fiji was well-prepared, led by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change with support from the Ministry of Finance. They organized technical working group meetings and created well-consulted policy briefs, along with a communication strategy. Pre-departure briefings for government officials and ministers were also conducted to ensure effective representation.
A substantial delegation comprising 57 members attended COP, with 90% of delegates’ expenses covered by external partners and funding arrangements aimed at supporting small island nations in participating in these significant meetings. The total expenditure for Fiji’s involvement in COP29 amounted to FJD $239,000.
The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that Fiji outlined 14 priority thematic areas for engagement this year, which include climate finance, ocean conservation, loss and damage, and the inclusion of indigenous peoples and gender considerations. He reiterated that addressing the climate crisis is vital not only for the environment but also for safeguarding the lives and economic stability of the Fijian people. To confront the challenges faced by small island states effectively, access to reliable and adequate climate financing is imperative.
Furthermore, Professor Prasad highlighted that the recent COP29 consensus calls for climate financing from public and private sources to reach an ambitious goal of USD $1.3 trillion per year by 2035, with a specific commitment for developing countries to contribute $300 billion USD annually by that same year.
This proactive approach reflects Fiji’s dedication to climate advocacy and highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling climate issues. The hope is that through such collaboration, meaningful strides will be made towards sustainable development and better living conditions for communities affected by climate change.
In summary, Fiji is taking significant steps towards addressing climate change at a global level through well-organized participation in COP, while aiming for substantial climate financing to safeguard its future. This commitment not only positions Fiji as a leader among small island states but also serves as a model for collaborative climate action.
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