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 discussions, such as the climate change Conference of the Parties (COP). He stressed that these platforms are vital for ensuring that Fiji’s concerns and challenges regarding climate change are recognized and addressed on a global scale.
Speaking in a Ministerial statement, Professor Prasad noted the extensive preparations undertaken by the government this year. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, along with support from the Ministry of Finance, technical working group meetings were organized, policy briefs were developed through thorough consultations, a communication strategy was put in place, and pre-departure briefings were held for ministers and government officials.
Fiji sent a robust 57-member delegation to COP, with the majority—90%—of the delegates’ expenses covered by external partners and annual funding arrangements aimed at supporting small island states in these important discussions. The financial outlay for Fiji’s participation in COP29 amounted to FJD $239,000.
This year, Fiji highlighted 14 priority areas for engagement at COP, encompassing critical issues such as climate finance, loss and damage, ocean preservation, as well as the concerns of indigenous peoples and gender equity. Professor Prasad emphasized that tackling the climate crisis is essential not only for the environment but also for safeguarding the livelihoods of the Fijian people and ensuring the stability and growth of the nation’s economy. He pointed out the necessity for accessible and adequate climate financing to effectively address the challenges faced by small island states.
In line with the outcomes from COP29, the Deputy Prime Minister noted a significant goal established: to achieve a collective climate financing target of USD $1.3 trillion annually by 2035, with developing countries contributing a significant $300 billion per year by that same date.
This proactive stance taken by Fiji reflects a broader understanding of the pressing climate challenges faced by small island nations and underscores the importance of global cooperation in fostering a sustainable future.
Additionally, it’s encouraging to see countries like Fiji leading by example in climate advocacy, which could inspire other nations, particularly those similarly affected by climate change, to take stronger actions and collaborate more effectively on environmental issues.
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