THE majority of Fiji’s delegation to COP30 are funded by external donors.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu made the comments in Parliament when asked for an update on Fiji’s National Priorities ahead of COP 30.
Mr Bulitavu told Parliament that 75 per cent of the delegation’s costs would be paid by development partners, with the remainder covered under Head 50 of the national budget.
“Our delegation includes 22 technical negotiators and four ministerial representatives,” he said.
“We will ensure that Fiji’s interests are covered under those 14 agenda areas.”
He said the delegation’s focus would be on Fiji’s three national priorities: NDC ambition, climate finance, and ocean-climate action.
“COP30 must deliver a new adaptation finance goal and operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund.”
Opposition MP Parveen Bala asked whether the trip would be funded by taxpayers or donors and pressed for clarity on developed countries’ commitments.
“If the honourable minister can inform this august house on how committed are the developed countries in assisting the developing countries?” he asked.
Mr Bulitavu assured Parliament that Fiji’s presence in Belem is vital.
“We will go as the voice of the region, of the people and of humanity’s conscience,” he said.
“I hope all of you are going to be taking your running shoes because you will need them,” said Deputy Speaker Lenora Qereqertabua.
Global turning point
FIJI will call for an ambitious global roadmap at COP30 in Brazil to keep global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Speaking in Parliament, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu said the COP conference in Belem would mark a crucial turning point for Fiji, the Pacific, and other vulnerable nations striving to survive.
“COP30 will be a defining moment for Fiji, for our Pacific region, and for all vulnerable nations fighting for survival,” Mr Bulitavu said.
“Without our voice and the collective voice of the Small Island Developing States, the global response to climate crisis would fail to account for those of us who are most affected, but least responsible.”
Fiji’s delegation is focusing on three priorities: strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), securing finance for adaptation, and advancing ocean-climate action.
“Fiji will not accept any NDC outcome that undermines the 1.5 degree celsius limit,” he said.
Government, he said, had endorsed its third NDC last week, which expands renewable energy and ocean-based targets.
“COP30 must deliver a robust package of indicators for the global goal on adaptation and endorse a new adaptation finance goal.”
Opposition MP Parveen Bala questioned whether developed nations are serious about helping small island states.
“It is important to ask now, rather than when the delegation comes back and then people start criticising,” he said.
“Fiji will go to Belem with unity, clarity and resolve to ensure the world not only listens, but acts,” Mr Bulitavu said in reply to that question.
