Former deputy prime minister and finance minister Professor Biman Prasad can no longer represent Fiji as the Champion for Climate Finance.
Head of Fiji’s delegation to COP30, Environment and Climate Change permanent secretary Dr Sivendra Michael confirmed this saying the position is tied to a ministerial role and is appointed through the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).
With Prof Prasad standing down from his ministerial role, the government has opted to send another Cabinet minister.
“The Pacific political champions are a process that is announced through the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat,” Dr Michael said.
“Professor Biman Prasad, former deputy prime minister and former minister for finance was the high-level political champion for climate finance.
“But because of the current state of play domestically, and given his resignation, he can no longer hold that position.”
Dr Michael said Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu will now take on the role of Political Champion for Climate Finance on behalf of Fiji.
Prof Prasad has a long track record of representing Fiji at the United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP), including leading the country’s delegation to COP29 in Azerbaijan in 2024.
