Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama will today show our climate change adaptation efforts to world officials.

He will take James Cameron, London-based lawyer and climate change expert, Patricia Espinosa, the executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to Kumi Village, Tailevu.

They will see a seawall that was recently completed to protect the village from rising sea level. Kumi is the village of Climate Champion and Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu.

They are likely to be joined by Australia’s Ambassador for Environment, Patrick Suckling, and members of the UNFCCC secretariat.

Mr Bainimarama extended the invitation during yesterday’s first major COP23 Planning Meeting in Suva, attended by the overseas officials.

Mr Bainimarama outlined that our Presidency for COP 23 will keep the interest of all nations, “including those that are low-lying and vulnerable.”

“We are also focused on turning the words and commitments of the Paris Agreement into measurable actions on the part of all nations, and are calling for transparent systems of accountability and practical outcomes to ensure the agreement is a success,” he said.

Mr Bainimarama also recognised climate adaptation finance, effective monitoring of adherence through the rulebook to the Paris Agreement and the objectives of the Climate Action Agenda as key issue areas for the Fijian presidency.

“There is also a need for greater engagement from the private sector, Non-Government Organisations (NGO’S) and civil society.

Mr Bainimarama highlighted that their support to Fiji’s global effort would uplift access to climate finance and reduce climate risks to developing economies.

Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mr Seruiratu were also part of the meeting.

Mr Seruiratu is also Fiji’s designated Climate Action Champion and Permanent Secretaries for the Office of the Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs, Civil Service, Environment, and Economy were also in attendance at the meeting.

COP23 is in November this year in Bonn, Germany.

Edited by Maraia Vula

Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj