As an island state at the forefront of climate change, Fiji is completely committed to addressing the effects of climate change, says Attorney-General and Minister responsible for Climate Change Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum who is leading the Fijian delegation to Bonn, Germany for the COP23 meet delivered the national statement at the high level segment on Thursday.

Here, he assured the world that Fiji will do its bit but needed support.

“To further reiterate our commitment towards fully implementing the Paris Agreement and limiting the global temperature to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, Fiji is taking real and decisive action at home.

“We also in our way want to lead and innovate and exemplify what we expect from the rest of the world. We are not simply waiting for solutions to come to us. But we need others to work with us also.”

Fiji was the first country to ratify the Paris Agreement.

He highlighted that Fiji’s focus was rebuilding Fiji’s infrastructure in a climate resilient way with blended finance from institutions like the Green Climate Fund and multilateral development banks and to supplement the Fijian Government’s own capital investments.

“And we are developing insurance products which are currently not available for climate related matters or events. Finally, we are working with other countries to develop ways to protect our oceans and finance the long term preservation of our blue carbon systems.”

He also gave an update on the Green Bonds which Fiji issued this year.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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