Climate change poses both a major threat and a unique opportunity for Pacific employment.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted this at the Pacific Regional Tripartite Conference & 50th Anniversary of the International Labour Organization in the Pacific in Nadi yesterday.
He said while traditional industries were being disrupted, new sectors such as renewable energy, ecosystem restoration, climate-resilient agriculture, and disaster risk reduction offer pathways for job creation to absorb displaced workers.
“But this transition requires deliberate action,” Mr Rabuka said.
“The ILO’s concept of a just transition ensures that the costs of economic transformation do not fall unfairly on workers and communities.
“Here in Fiji, we are leading the way. Our Green Growth Framework identifies concrete job opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable tourism, and climate-smart agriculture. Our National Adaptation Plan integrates workforce development as a core element.
“But regional cooperation is essential. We must share green skills training regionally, coordinate responses to climate migration and displacement, and collectively advocate for climate finance that prioritises decent work.”
“The Pacific Resilience Facility, under our 2050 Strategy, provided one model for coordination, but we also need employment-specific mechanisms.”
“This is exactly what we are building here today.
Meanwhile, Mr Rabuka said the Pacific held unique advantages in the digital economy.
“Our youth are digital natives, our close-knit communities adapt quickly, and our cultural values of cooperation and consensus naturally align with collaborative digital platforms.
“However, technological progress must amplify Pacific values — not replace them.
“Digital education should integrate traditional knowledge. E-commerce must showcase Pacific arts and crafts. Remote work should keep our youth connected to their home communities.
“This is not technology for technology’s sake — it is technology for empowerment.”