Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka addressed the 61st Munich Security Conference in Germany, emphasizing the grave impact of climate change on the Pacific region. He described climate change as the foremost existential threat to the Blue Pacific, jeopardizing its very core. During a session he co-chaired, Rabuka discussed the security challenges faced by small and developing nations, particularly those in the Pacific, highlighting the dangers of rising sea levels and increasing natural disasters.
Rabuka asserted that small countries should take an active role in shaping global rules rather than merely adhering to them. He urged for a multilateral system that promotes fairness, accountability, and respects the sovereignty of all nations. “The spotlight is indeed on small states,” he noted, pointing out that they constitute a significant portion of United Nations members and are strong advocates for multilateralism.
The side event at the conference allowed Fiji to emphasize the importance of addressing the security concerns of small island states on the global stage. The three-day conference is focused on a range of critical global security issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, geopolitical tensions, and future security frameworks in NATO and Europe.
Key leaders in attendance included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Estonian President Alar Karis, and former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who now serves as the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.
This gathering serves as a vital platform not only for addressing immediate security challenges but also for reinforcing the need for global collaboration to tackle the pressing issue of climate change. With the advocacy of leaders like Rabuka, there is hope for a future where small nations are recognized for their significant contributions to international discussions and actions regarding climate and security matters.
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