The Fijian Government has approved a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the International Peace Institute to strengthen Fiji's capacity in international climate change negotiations.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced this in response to a query from Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, regarding the MOU's status.
Rabuka explained that the agreement aims to enhance the Government's institutional framework and readiness for international climate negotiations.
This includes training and workshops facilitated by the Institute in preparation for the 29th Conference of Parties (COP 29), set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Rabuka also emphasised the significance of Institute’s work in negotiating climate treaties that have a global impact and highlighted their history of supporting small island states in negotiations.
He also noted the potential for Fiji to take a leading role in advocating for the relocation of the Institute’s headquarters to a region more directly affected by ocean climate issues, such as the Caribbean or the Pacific.
In response to a question from Opposition of Bloc 16 Leader, Inia Seruiratu, Rabuka expressed his support for the idea of moving the Institute’s headquarters to a location within the Ocean Climate Solutions Program's focus areas, given the region's vulnerability to climate change.
