‘The Pacific will not be silent or sidelined: PM Rabuka COP30 message

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has shared a strong message that the voices of the Pacific and small island states, must not go unheard on the world stage.

In his COP30 National Statement, Mr Rabuka said small island developing states are the ground zero for climate impacts.

“We are particularly vulnerable our communities face rising seas, intensifying cyclones and devastating floods that wipe out years of development in an instant,” Mr Rabuka said.

“The injustice is appalling. We who have contributed the least to global emissions suffer first and worst yet, we refuse to be mere victims. Pacific nations have built extraordinary resilience and continue to punch above our weight in climate action.”

Mr Rabuka will not be attending the COP30, that will be held at Belém, Brazil from November 10 – 21, 2025.

He said despite his absence, the climate change fight continues as he calls on the world to match the Pacific’s determination and uphold the principle of climate justice.

“Cop 30 has rightly been dubbed the implementation cup. It is high time that we move from ambition to tangible action.

Last week, Fiji had launched its enhanced third nationally determined contribution.

“We do this not because it is easy, but because it is necessary, and we expect all parties to demonstrate a similar level of resolve to keep 1.5 degrees Celsius alive.”

Mr Rabuka called on developed countries and major emitters to contribute their fair share to help vulnerable nations cope with the losses and damages of climate change.

He added that the COP30 presented an opportunity to finalize the Baku to Belém roadmap - a plan to mobilize at least US$1.3 trillion a year in climate finance for developing countries by 2035.

“We must also urgently establish a new and more ambitious adaptation finance goal as adaptation is a matter of survival for small island states, we must also provide comprehensive guidance to operationalize the new loss and damage fund, climate justice demands that those who have profited from pollution honor their obligations,” Mr Rabuka said.

Mr Rabuka has also called on leaders to keep their promise to protect the most vulnerable and secure a safer future for the next generation.  

“Let us keep that promise. Let us not be the generation of leaders that broke its word and betrayed its duty.

“The world is watching to see if we will back our words with our action. Future generations will judge us by what we do here and now.”

Feedback: laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj