PRIME MINISTER URGES PACIFIC LEADERS TO UNITE FOR COP23 SUCCESS

09/06/2017

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama urged leaders from the Pacific region to unite to present a strong case at COP23, the UN Conference on Climate Change, in Germany in November.

The Prime Minister held talks this morning with Pacific Leaders at the margins of the UN Oceans Conference currently underway at the UN in New York, where he updated them on Fiji's preparations for the COP 23 negotiations. He also encouraged the leaders to use COP23 as an opportunity to advance awareness on the impacts of climate change in the region.

“As incoming president of COP23, I want you by my side all year at the big events leading up to Bonn in November. This is not just about Frank or about Fiji but every Pacific leader, every Pacific nation, every civil society group, every private sector body, everyone who represents the ordinary men, women and children in the Pacific who look to us for leadership on this issue of critical importance to our collective future."

In his remarks, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of the collective voice and commitment from the Pacific to make COP23 a success.

"I very much see this as a Pacific presidency – an inclusive process in which I ask you all to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Fiji as we give voice to the concerns of our own countries, our own region. And because we are among the most vulnerable to climate change, to also lead the fight on behalf of every vulnerable person on earth."

"The Pacific cannot afford to drop the ball on climate action. We need to work together as a team to persuade the world to get points on the board if we are to ensure our own security and the security of generations of Pacific Islanders to come."

At the meeting, Pacific leaders also congratulated the Prime Minister for strong his leadership on the issue of climate change and for advancing the interests and struggles of the Pacific on the global stage.

-ENDS-