Fiji has officially launched the Global Shield against Climate Risks, marking a historic step towards strengthening climate resilience in the Pacific region.
The initiative aimed to provide timely financial support for the vulnerable communities that are facing the devastating impacts of climate-related disasters.
During the workshop at Mana Coffee Events Space, dignitaries from various sectors gathered to discuss the urgent need for proactive measures in climate and disaster risk financing.
Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary Shiri Krishna Gounder opened the event by emphasising the significance of collaboration.
“As we come together to discuss and strategise, we are ensuring that no one is left behind in the face of climate adversity,” Mr Gounder said.
The German ambassador to Fiji, Dr Andreas Prothmann echoed this sentiment — highlighting the dire challenges Fiji faced as a low-lying island nation.
“Fiji is one of a number of countries that are heavily and increasingly affected by a range of climatic hazards, including floods, tropical cyclones, rising sea levels, and coastal erosion,” he stated.
“At the end of the day, it’s about providing financial resources for faster and more effective help to the people and communities affected,” he said.
The representative of the French Development Agency (AFD) Elodie Vitalis praised the collaborative spirit of the initiative.
“Your presence demonstrates your valuable commitment to this process, which aims to provide the Pacific Region with capacity and instruments to better face climate challenges,” Ms Vitalis said.
She noted the urgent need for coordinated action, adding, “We must be prepared to enhance resilience and mitigate the economic impact of climate-related events.”
The World Food Programme country director Alpha Bah addressed the pressing urgency of the initiative remarking, “This matter is not just timely, but urgent, as we face increasingly frequent and severe climate-related disasters here in Fiji and across the Pacific.”
He stressed the need for innovative solutions, stating that “climate and disaster risk finance and insurance are not merely financial instruments, but cornerstones of a comprehensive strategy to confront the impacts of climate change.”
As Fiji became the first country in the Pacific to kick-start the Global Shield initiative, the workshop aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration among government officials, civil society, and development partners.
This initiative promises to not only enhance financial protection but also improve disaster response strategies, ultimately paving the way for a more resilient future for Fiji and its neighbours.
With climate change posing a significant threat to the region, Fiji’s leadership in the Global Shield initiative serves as a beacon of hope for Pacific nations seeking sustainable solutions to the pressing challenges posed by climate adversity.
