Fiji is currently hosting the Pacific Islands Expanded Constituency Workshop, which has attracted approximately 150 representatives from 15 Pacific Island nations, alongside development partners. The workshop, taking place from February 24 to February 27, 2026, is organized by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in partnership with the Global Environment Facility.
During this four-day event, attendees are focusing on enhancing regional cooperation and building stronger partnerships with global institutions. The aim is to ensure that climate and environmental financing aligns with national priorities, bolsters country leadership, and yields tangible results at the community level.
Viliame Gavoka, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the Pacific’s longstanding commitment to environmental protection. He called for united action among nations to face the environmental challenges confronting the region. Gavoka pointed out that protecting the environment is not just a moral responsibility; it is a legal obligation for Pacific nations, which have approached these issues with determination and integrity.
He also discussed the increasing pressures the region faces, including rising sea levels, environmental degradation, and other ecological threats that jeopardize lives, infrastructure, and economic stability. The workshop represents a critical opportunity for delegations to ensure that resources from the Global Environment Facility are effectively tailored to meet the specific needs of Pacific countries, leading to measurable and sustainable outcomes for communities across the region.
This gathering not only highlights the proactive steps taken by Pacific nations in addressing climate change but also underscores the importance of collaboration in tackling shared environmental challenges.
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