The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat recently announced the appointment of Professor Biman Prasad, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, as the Pacific Political Climate Champion for Climate Finance. This decision, endorsed by Pacific ACP Leaders during their recent meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands, underscores Fiji’s leadership and commitment to addressing regional climate issues.
In his new role, Professor Prasad will advocate for improved access to climate finance for the Pacific Island nations and work to enhance regional collaboration ahead of the upcoming UNFCCC COP30 in Belém, Brazil. His appointment is in line with ongoing dialogues about securing adequate investments that support climate resilience across the region.
Professor Prasad has consistently emphasized the urgent need to mobilize climate finance, particularly during the Pacific Islands Investment Forum, where he urged regional leaders and financial stakeholders to prioritize resilient investments. He articulated that the Pacific, one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, cannot solely rely on international assistance and must take immediate steps to finance climate-resilient infrastructure.
His previous discussions have highlighted the necessity for innovative, locally-driven solutions to meet the financial demands posed by climate risks. Alongside the support of the Council of Regional Organizations of the Pacific, the One CROP Team, and the Pacific Small Island Developing States, Professor Prasad’s leadership aims to strengthen the region’s infrastructure and adaptive capacity.
As the Pacific Islands prepare for COP30, there is optimism that collaborative efforts will lead to the development of new partnerships and innovative strategies that address the significant climate-related challenges faced by the region. By fostering a unified approach and mobilizing additional funding, the Pacific nations can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
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