Fiji, as a proud member of the Commonwealth, plays an active role in advancing the Sustainable Development Agenda, climate adaptation and enhancing resilience initiatives.
This was revealed by the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka at a bilateral meeting with the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Energy, Lord Richard Benyon.
The bilateral meeting, convened at the Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office in London, was an opportunity for Prime Minister Rabuka to share Fiji’s climate action and environment sustainability plans, among other important aspects.
PM Rabuka expressed the Coalition Government’s appreciation to the UK Government for its invaluable assistance towards our Climate Change Office, including ongoing technical assistance, as well as its support for Fiji's sovereign green and blue bonds.
PM Rabuka highlighted that Fiji will continue advocacy on critical issues such as access to climate finance.
Fiji's environmental conservation commitment was also discussed during the meeting.
The Prime Minister reiterated Fiji's support for the UK's initiative to promote peace through advocacy of the Zone of Peace concept, as well as its ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth's enduring values.
It was highlighted during the meeting that the UK is committed to the priorities and areas of interests for Small Island Developing States, in the upcoming forums including SIDS4, CHGM, Ocean Conference and the upcoming Climate Week.
The UK is now focused on the reform of the World Bank and other financial institutions, to enable better flow of funds, especially to small island states.
The revamped Blue Planet Fund by the UK at a value of £500m, is envisaged to support Fijis climate efforts, especially in the areas of Adaptation and Mitigation.
PM Rabuka, in his concluding remarks, informed Lord Benyon of collective efforts of Pacific Leaders to build unity and mobilise action to protect our collective future for a Blue Pacific.