Fiji’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change and Chair of the Sixth Forum of Ministers and Environmental Authorities of Asia Pacific, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, met today with the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ms. Inger Andersen, to reaffirm Fiji’s strong partnership with UNEP in advancing several key priorities at the Seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7).
The Minister conveyed Fiji’s deep appreciation for UNEP’s continued support to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), emphasising that the organisation remains a trusted partner at a time when the triple planetary crisis is accelerating across the Pacific.
Hon. Bulitavu spoke about Fiji’s leadership in securing agreement on its resolution to accelerate global action for the climate resilience of coral reefs.
“This early success was not just Fiji’s alone,” Hon. Bulitavu said. “UNEP’s support helped Member States bridge complex scientific and political differences. When the world needed clarity and confidence, UNEP stepped forward. Fiji is proud to have delivered this resolution for the global community.”
In discussions on the Mid-Term Strategy resolution, Fiji reiterated its firm position that UNEP must remain the world’s leading environmental authority and that attempts to fragment or limit UNEP’s mandate are counterproductive.
“Institutional competition is a luxury we cannot afford. We will strongly support the approval of the Mid-Term Strategy resolution because multilateralism must remain capable of delivering for the most vulnerable” he said.
Minister Bulitavu also underscored Fiji’s red lines on finance, calling for historical responsibilities to be upheld and for fairness in access to environmental finance for SIDS.
“Those who contributed the least to the crisis should not be made to fight the hardest for solutions,” he stressed.
“UNEP’s leadership on equity remains essential if global decisions are to be credible.”
Looking ahead, Fiji welcomed deeper cooperation with UNEP on ocean-climate action, waste and chemicals, biodiversity, and frontline climate resilience. The Ministry’s teams continue to engage UNEP colleagues on GEF-9 programming and other emerging areas of collaboration.
In acknowledging Fiji’s leadership, the Executive Director offered strong words of appreciation:
“Fiji is a country that consistently shows the world what principled, courageous environmental leadership looks like,” said Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.
“From championing coral reef resilience resolution to hosting the AP6 Forum, Fiji brings moral clarity, scientific grounding, and a deep sense of responsibility to the global environmental agenda. UNEP is proud to stand with Fiji, and we look forward to scaling this partnership for the benefit of communities across the Pacific and the world.”
Minister Bulitavu reaffirmed that Fiji remains committed to working closely with UNEP to ensure UNEA-7 delivers outcomes that reflect ambition, equity, and the urgency of the climate and environmental crisis.