PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Pacific countries must continue pressing the international community for action on climate change while strengthening conservation and preservation efforts.
Mr Rabuka said the Pacific had received support from the international community when raising concerns about the effects of climate change on island nations.
“We have had a very sympathetic ear in the international community,” he said.
“They listen when we talk to them about the ravages of climate change in the Pacific, and we have had very good cooperation from most of them.”
He said Pacific countries would continue pursuing issues that had previously been championed by countries such as Vanuatu.
“Those issues, like the ones championed by Vanuatu some years ago, we will continue to pursue.
“We will also continue with preservation, conservation, as well as the promotion of those measures,” he said.
He made the comments when asked what Pacific countries could do differently to recover from the damage caused by climate change.
The issue remains a major concern for Pacific island countries, many of which face increasing pressure from rising sea levels, extreme weather events and impacts on communities and natural resources.
He said continued engagement with international partners would remain important for the Pacific as the region sought support for climate action.
He said Pacific countries would continue to advocate for measures that protected their communities and environment while promoting greater international understanding of the challenges facing the region.
