As incoming President of COP23 and also co-host of the UN Oceans Conference this week, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has thanked the Mayor and people of New York for standing shoulder to shoulder with Fiji on this issue.
While presenting the Champion of Change Award to Dr. Wallace J. Nichols at the World Oceans Festival at Governor's Island, New York today, Bainimarama says the health of our oceans and seas is critical to every human being and this is why they are all gathered in New York.
He says they have a great deal in common as people who are vulnerable to the effects of climate change – not only rising sea levels but extreme weather events that have cost the lives of loved ones, along with a great deal of economic pain.
Bainimarama says New York had Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and Fiji had Cyclone Winston last year.
He says it has bound us together as a people - Fijians and New Yorkers - in the determination to work with the rest of the world to tackle the threat of climate change.
Fiji will take the main stage this week on the global front when it co‑hosts the United Nations Oceans Conference with Sweden in New York.
Fiji's leadership at this week's meeting demonstrates the vulnerability of Pacific oceans and its impact on the people of small island developing states.
A first for Fiji and the UN as delegates will witness a traditional ceremony of welcome by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces who also make up Fiji's delegation to this meeting.
At a briefing to the Prime Minister, Fiji's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Luke Daunivalu said that New York and the UN were looking forward to this week's meeting.
Aside from formal engagements, this week's conference will also include 160 side events.
Bainimarama is also expected to hold talks with senior government officials, UN officials and senior officials from the private sector.
The Ocean Conference, the first UN conference of its kind on the issue, is hosted by the Governments of Fiji and Sweden.
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