Sea-level rise and the lasting impacts of climate change are placing Pacific Island States, particularly low-lying islands, at significant risk. This concern was expressed by Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, during his speech at the Welcoming Dinner for the 65th Workshop for Heads of National Productivity Organizations held in Nadi on Tuesday.
President Katonivere stated that Fiji is struggling to address the challenges following natural disasters through maintenance and relocation efforts. He urged stakeholders to take decisive action against climate change, as many communities across Fiji and the Pacific are in urgent need of assistance.
He emphasized that by 2050, approximately 240 coastal communities may face displacement due to rising sea levels, and 42 communities urgently require relocation. He characterized the situation as critical, underlining the necessity for effective collaboration among nations.
While he acknowledged the support received from international assistance, he indicated that there is still more that can be done. Katonivere asserted that accomplishments in combating climate change will require joint efforts from countries, while stressing that individual actions alone are insufficient. He advocated for internal collaboration to achieve green productivity.
In conjunction, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, highlighted Fiji’s role in advancing green productivity and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). He noted that Fiji has the potential to focus on a circular economy and recycling initiatives, including plans to establish green landfills that could enhance productivity within the country.
Kamikamica also pointed out that Fiji is home to its first AI Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) operation, run by KPMG from Australia and operated by local youth, presenting AI as a pivotal factor for future green productivity.
The workshop was attended by heads of national productivity organizations and advisors from the Asian Productivity Organization, along with other notable participants, all focused on addressing challenges related to increasing productivity and exploring AI applications for the Pacific community.
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