Fiji has officially launched the Global Shield against Climate Risks, representing a significant milestone in enhancing climate resilience within the Pacific region. This initiative is designed to provide timely financial assistance to vulnerable communities affected by the severe impacts of climate-related disasters.
During a workshop held at Mana Coffee Events Space, dignitaries from various sectors convened to address the urgent need for proactive approaches to climate and disaster risk financing. Shiri Krishna Gounder, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, opened the event by stressing the importance of collaboration.
“As we unite to discuss and strategize, we ensure that no one is left behind in the face of climate adversity,” Gounder remarked.
Dr. Andreas Prothmann, the German ambassador to Fiji, reinforced this message, noting the critical challenges that Fiji encounters as a low-lying island nation. He highlighted that Fiji is among the nations increasingly impacted by various climatic hazards such as floods, tropical cyclones, rising sea levels, and coastal erosion. “Ultimately, it’s about providing financial resources for quicker and more effective assistance to those communities impacted,” he stated.
Elodie Vitalis, representative of the French Development Agency (AFD), commended the collaborative nature of the initiative. “Your presence shows your valuable commitment to this process that aims to equip the Pacific Region with the capabilities and tools necessary to tackle climate challenges,” Vitalis said. She emphasized the pressing need for coordinated efforts, asserting, “We must enhance resilience and lessen the economic repercussions of climate-related events.”
Alpha Bah, country director for the World Food Programme, highlighted the critical urgency of the initiative, stating, “This issue is not only timely but urgent as we encounter more frequent and severe climate-related disasters here in Fiji and throughout the Pacific.” He underscored the need for innovative solutions and asserted that “climate and disaster risk finance and insurance are not merely financial tools, but essential elements of a comprehensive strategy to address the impacts of climate change.”
As the first country in the Pacific to launch the Global Shield initiative, Fiji’s workshop aimed to encourage dialogue and collaboration among government officials, civil society, and development partners. This initiative is poised to enhance financial protection and improve disaster response strategies, contributing to a more resilient future for Fiji and its neighboring countries.
With climate change posing a serious threat to the region, Fiji’s leadership in the Global Shield initiative offers hope for Pacific nations seeking sustainable solutions to the pressing challenges brought about by climate adversity.