A new biennial publication was launched today by the Head of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Mr Iosefa Maiva at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi.
Titled, Green Economy in a Blue World Pacific Perspective, the Head of ESCAP said that the launching of the publication was timely as the keynote address delivered by Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni had provided many excellent illustrations of the contents of the publication.
The publication emphasises environmental and social objectives that can help contribute to the promotion of sustainable development across all sectors of the economy.
In her address, Minister Luveni highlighted the advantages of implementing macroeconomic policies inorder to bring about sustainable development.
“At a time of high fossil fuel prices, too much dependence on imported fossil fuels has a large impact on our foreign currency reserves, and impacts other vital signs of our economy such as inflation and our competitiveness with other countries. This is especially true given that fuel prices have skyrocketed in the past couple of years, and the global political and economic climate has a great potential to exacerbate the situation. Therefore improving energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels contributes to a more stable macroeconomic environment that is beneficial for the long-term health of Pacific countries”, Dr Luveni said.
“I believe that Fiji has a lot to show with regards to renewable energy and energy efficiency. I am very proud to say that a significant proportion of Fiji’s energy consumption comes from renewable sources like hydropower”.
Meanwhile Mr Maiva said that the publication offered the first attempt after the RIO+20 Conference to examine why and how the green economy policies or tools maybe used to promote inclusiveness and sustainable management and development of the Pacific Ocean and of Pacific island countries.
It further summarises recent global and regional decisions, the RIO conference in July and the PIF meeting last month and seeks to first explain how green economy tools and policies may bear more fruits in our quest for sustainable development.
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