Fiji’s delegation to COP30 is under mounting logistical and financial pressure as the world’s most important climate conference draws near, says permanent secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael.
Addressing delegates during the ministry’s final preparatory meeting, Dr Michael explained that “we have a very urgent priority to attend to given that COP is just a few weeks away.
“Things are not looking the best in terms of logistics. We are still experiencing immense pressure to find a place that is decent enough and at a cost that allows us to remain focused in the negotiations.”
He said Fiji’s team was facing difficulties securing affordable accommodation and flights, but that “these logistical nightmares should not deter us from being prepared as a delegation.”
Dr Michael said yesterday’s meeting was the “final opportunity to meet and finalise our discussions and our positions prior to COP30,” adding that input from ministries and agencies was vital to ensure national interests were clearly represented.
“When we go to COP, we go as one team,” he told officials.
“We must be clear, we must be consistent and united in our negotiation positions. Even if your value system aligns to something else, we are representing one country.”
He reminded negotiators that the process “is not easy,” often involving “hours of negotiation, sometimes no food, sometimes walking throughout the night to try and clear one paragraph.”
Despite the challenges, he said Fiji’s team must remain steadfast and “ensure that we genuinely benefit our people at home”.
