Update: 2:48PM UNITED Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative Osnat Lubrani has congratulated the Fijian Government for its appointment as the president of COP23 in Bonn, Germany in 2017.

He said this was not only a significant step for Fiji or the Pacific but also for Small islands developing states globally.

“Fiji is not new to leadership roles in the (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) UNFCCC,” Ms Lubrani said.

“As we are aware, Fiji was the chair of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation leading up to Paris.

“UNDP looks forward to supporting Fiji in this new role.”

Mr Lubrani was speaking at the opening of the Pacific Regional Dialogue on (Intended) Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the Pacific Islands in Nadi.