Fiji praised for taking on Presidency of COP23

Fiji's decision to take on the presidency of COP23, the UN negotiations on climate change, has been regarded as a bold move for a small island developing state that is also affected by climate change.

Germany's State Secretary for the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety Jochen Flasbarth made the comments today when he joined Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama at a side event at the UN to update preparations for COP23.

In his statement, he linked the possibilities that can be derived from two different nations working together to advance awareness on climate change.

“Looking at Fiji, a small island state, less than a million inhabitants, and (whilst) Germany, 80 million people a highly industrialised country – I think you cannot think of how different countries have joined in the spirit of Paris (Agreement), we want to mutually find solutions to solve our climate problem.

“This is an opportunity, to bring together the world to showcase that it is possible and needed to cooperate between very different countries in the world.”

Tuesday's side event was an opportunity for Fiji, Germany and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to provide a formal information session for interested parties in the lead up to COP23.

At this event, Prime Minister Bainimarama reiterated the importance of working closely with each other to address climate change.

“Addressing climate change is at the heart of our common future. This is why the Paris Agreement is so important. We all must continue to create prosperity and to ensure the wellbeing of the nations and ecosystems of the world. To do this, we must work together. There is opportunity for growth in the transformation we must make away from carbon. I have learned of many examples of brilliant innovation in technology that provide hope and excitement.”

The UNFCCC executive secretary Patricia Espinosa echoed the statements made by Flasbarth and highlighted the significance of Fiji's presidency in underlying the problems faced by small islands developing states from the threat of climate change.

Prime Minister Bainimarama is leading Fiji's delegation to the 62nd Session of the UN General Assembly. Whilst there, he will also officiate at several climate-related events as incoming President of COP23.


SOURCE:DEPTFO NEWS