The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) held a post-COP29 debrief workshop yesterday (16.01.25), providing a platform for reflection on the outcomes of COP29 and charting a course for Fiji’s next steps in addressing climate change.

In his opening remarks, Minister Mosese Bulitavu emphasized that the agreements reached at COP29 must translate into tangible benefits for Fiji’s people and the environment. He underscored that the impacts of climate change are already a harsh reality for Fijians, and it is critical that Fiji’s commitment to addressing these challenges is reflected in a strong, ongoing narrative at international climate negotiations.

Minister Bulitavu also praised the Fiji Government delegation who through the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Professor Biman Prasad and Chief Negotiator PS MECC Dr. Sivendra Michael, had secured key positions and achieved significant outcomes at COP29, furthering the nation’s climate goals.

In a comprehensive presentation, PS MECC Dr. Michael highlighted Fiji’s active involvement across 28 thematic areas at COP29, acknowledging that the negotiation process was tense with many delegates working into the early morning hours.

Despite the challenges, Dr. Michael stressed the commitment of Fiji’s team to secure the best possible outcomes for the region was commendable, which was echoed by many other countries.

Participating virtually, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad acknowledged that while COP29 did not achieve all the progress hoped for, it highlighted the importance of Fiji’s continued engagement in global climate discussions.

He emphasized that persistence and collaboration with international partners remain crucial to ensuring that the priorities of vulnerable nations are not overlooked.

“Ensuring the voices of the most vulnerable are heard relies on the support and advocacy of our partners, as well as on our negotiators,” DPM Prasad said.

“It is clear to me from COP29 that if we continue to engage with the same passion, and commitment moving forward that we will continue to gain further ground irrespective of the geopolitical challenges that dominate the background.”