As Fiji prepares for the 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP29), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad has addressed concerns raised by Unity Fiji Leader Savenaca Narube regarding the size and funding of Fiji’s delegation at the upcoming climate conference. In his response, Prof. Prasad clarified that the representation from Fiji is both essential and consistent with past participation in COP events.
During his statement, he provided context by referencing Fiji’s previous role as the COP president in 2017, where the delegation included 75 members, resulting in a total of around 307 participants. He also noted that last year’s COP28 included 67 delegates, countering Narube’s assertion that this year’s group is the largest ever.
Prof. Prasad revealed that approximately 91 percent of the nearly $1.2 million cost of the delegation has been externally funded, with a significant portion of this support coming from international sources. Specifically, he stated that 51 out of 56 delegates are being funded from outside Fiji, a fact he urged was critical to acknowledge to dispel misinformation circulated by some opposition politicians.
As COP29 approaches, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of the conference as a platform for securing financial commitments essential for combating climate challenges that disproportionately affect Fiji and other Pacific nations. He emphasized that the political engagement and lobbying efforts at COP29 will be pivotal in addressing issues like financial commitments and operational strategies related to climate change funds.
Prof. Prasad highlighted the significance of Fiji’s presence at COP29, stating, “Our commitment isn’t just about participating; it’s about securing the support necessary to protect our communities from climate impacts we did not cause.” He reaffirmed that reducing Fiji’s presence would undermine its ability to advocate for the broader Pacific region and other climate-vulnerable nations.
With the conference on the horizon, Fiji’s delegation aims to collaborate with other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to demand stronger climate commitments from major carbon-emitting nations.
In conclusion, COP29 presents a crucial opportunity for Fiji to reinforce its leadership role in climate advocacy, thereby playing an essential part in shaping a sustainable future for itself and the Pacific region. The proactive engagement of Fiji at this international climate platform is not only a testament to its commitment to environmental stewardship but also a hopeful step towards collective action against the pressing climate crisis.
Summary: Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad has defended the composition and funding of Fiji’s delegation ahead of COP29, highlighting the need for external support in their climate advocacy efforts. He emphasizes the critical importance of COP29 for securing international commitments to combat climate change and the necessity of Fiji’s influence in this global dialogue.
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