Belém, Brazil – At day three of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu joined global leaders at the annual High-Level Dialogue of the Baku Hub for Climate, Peace, Relief & Recovery.
The dialogue centred on the global interconnections between climate resilience and peacebuilding, underscoring the imperative that safeguarding our environment also strengthens security, stability and rehabilitation.
In his address, Minister Bulitavu lauded the efforts of the Republic of Azerbaijan in spearheading this initiative and affirmed Fiji’s role in sharing the Pacific Island perspective:
“Fiji is a Small Island Developing State among the most vulnerable to climate change. Rising seas, droughts, and cyclones are already displacing our people and threatening our livelihoods. Yet, despite these challenges, the Pacific continues to lead—both at home and on the global stage.”
Highlighting the region’s landmark commitment, he referenced the Ocean of Peace Declaration — advanced earlier this year by Pacific Leaders, following its first proposal by Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, in 2023.
“The Ocean of Peace reflects the Pacific Way—a commitment to dialogue, understanding, and peaceful resolution of concerns,” he said.
“It reminds us that peace, security and climate resilience are inseparable, and that a healthy ocean is central to sustaining life and livelihoods in our region.”
Minister Bulitavu also called attention to key priorities:
• Formal recognition of the ocean-climate nexus within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agenda.
• Strengthened financial mechanisms dedicated to ocean-based adaptation.
• Recognition of “loss and damage” stemming from ocean degradation.
Domestically, he outlined Fiji’s actions under the Climate Change Act 2021 and the Standard Operating Procedures for Planned Relocation, which aim to ensure community-led, dignified relocation of climate-displaced persons.
“Through our Climate Relocation of Communities Trust Fund, Fiji is financing its own resilience efforts,” he said. “But global funding remains far from adequate. We need predictable and accessible finance for climate mobility within the global finance framework.”
Minister Bulitavu urged all nations to ensure that climate action protects human rights and advances peace:
“Communities most at risk are the least responsible for climate pollution. Climate action for peace must ensure they have the resources to live with dignity. Let us act with urgency and unity so that our shared ocean remains a source of peace, security and survival for generations to come.”