Baron Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, delivered an inspiring message to Pacific leaders on Tuesday during the debrief of the Political Climate Champions in Nadi, emphasizing the urgent need for robust political leadership in the ongoing battle against climate change.
Waqa underscored the significant role that Pacific leaders play in influencing global climate initiatives and stressed the necessity of their continued commitment to this cause. In his address, he acknowledged the challenges climate advocates face in addition to their national duties and expressed appreciation for their dedication to this vital initiative.
Reflecting on his participation in COP 29, Waqa shared the motivation he felt observing global leaders work tirelessly throughout the event. He extended gratitude to technical negotiators whose contributions were essential in advancing Pacific priorities.
Waqa highlighted the challenge of securing consistent global leadership on climate issues, noting a noted gap where Pacific leaders have increasingly stepped up to demonstrate moral authority. He reiterated the importance of maintaining a united front to pursue the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a critical benchmark outlined in the Paris Agreement.
The Political Climate Champions initiative, launched in 2021, seeks to bridge the gap between political advocacy and technical negotiations, thereby amplifying the voice of Pacific nations in global forums such as UNFCCC COPs. Waqa emphasized that collaboration is key, stating, “We are strong as a collective and our voices become even more elevated as one region.”
Additionally, Waqa recognized the financial support provided by Australia and New Zealand for the initiative, despite differing viewpoints on climate change. He encouraged continued collaboration, emphasizing the importance of striving for unity in addressing climate issues, particularly during uncertain times.
As the debrief concluded, Waqa thanked the Political Climate Champions and partners for their unwavering commitment, expressing hope for a strengthened initiative that benefits the region and future generations.
In light of recent discussions from COP 29, Waqa’s address reflects a powerful call to action, underlining the necessity for global collaboration. The proactive engagement from Pacific leaders serves as a beacon of hope amid emerging global challenges, aiming to inspire a unified global response to climate change, ensuring resilience for vulnerable island nations.
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