Fiji along with other Pacific Island States, actively engaged in the 79th Commission Session of the UN Economic and Social Commission of the Asia-Pacific (ESCAP), which concluded on Friday 19th May, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Asia-Pacific countries adopted 10 resolutions reaffirming commitments to protect the planet and its people.
Five (5) of the 10 resolutions were co-sponsored by Fiji.
In addition to delivering Statements at the Plenary, the Fiji Government co-hosted an event with the Government of Mongolia, focusing on “Disaster Resilience and Early Warnings”, building on the regional thematic report of the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015- 2030.
The realization of “Early Warnings for All” is critical in the Asia-Pacific region, the world’s most disaster-impacted and populous region.
Major disasters of 2022 and early 2023 have impacted countries across the region, from historic floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan, to droughts in China, Kiribati and Tuvalu, typhoons in the Philippines and most recently, the back-to-back cyclones and earthquake in Vanuatu.
Pacific Island States also co-hosted an event with ESCAP, focused on “Pacific perspectives on accelerating climate action”. It was an opportunity to re-iterate Pacific concerns on accelerating climate action.
The PIFs Chair, the President of Palau, the Prime Minister of Samoa, Ministers from Tuvalu and Fiji, actively engaged in the event.
Fiji participated in a side event hosted by the Government of India on “scaling up climate adaptation technology”. Discussions revolved around the types of adaptation technology available, the different considerations to be made on technologies, and the importance of regional cooperation to implement climate action adaptation technology.
Head of Fiji Delegation, Hon. Sakiusa Tubuna, Assistant Minister for the Office of the Prime Minister, held bilateral meetings with the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, and with delegations of Japan, Maldives, Italy, the US, Thailand, India. Informal discussions were also held with key partners such as the Asia Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC).
Bilateral discussions revolved around a range of issues including support to the Pacific through the UNESCAP Pacific Office in Suva, partnerships on climate adaptation measures and initiatives and sectorial cooperation in key industries such as Tourism, Agriculture, and Fisheries.
Pacific Heads of Delegations were hosted by the Government of Thailand to an expedition and demonstration of Thailands’ Sufficiency Economy model implemented in its Provinces.
Fiji is looking to strengthen its bilateral relations with strategic partners such as the Kingdom of Thailand, in areas of Fisheries Aquaculture, Agriculture (Tropical Fruits), and Tourism.
A paper will be tabled to Cabinet, outlining the outcomes of the 79th Commission Session of ESCAP and highlighting measures to strengthen Fiji’s engagement with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, through bilateral and multilateral platforms, to complement our national efforts and commitment towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and vision of “No one left Behind”.
The 80th Commission Session will convene in April, 2024.
