The Seventh Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (PFSD), a multi-stakeholder meeting convened today at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) aims to deliver transformative actions to accelerate implementation of the national development priorities of the Pacific member states, 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With a unique approach, the Forum provides opportunities for policymakers and stakeholders to exchange solution-oriented approaches, and a capacity building element for the implementation and review of the 2030 Agenda with a focus on follow-up actions highlighted through Voluntary National Reviews (VNR).
Speaking at the official opening of the Forum, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable of our communities are met.
“In our commitment to the Sustainable Development Agenda, Fiji presented at this year’s High Level Political Forum, its 2nd Voluntary National Review (VNR) report. The report underscores the national commitment to ensure that Fijians consistently have clean water, better health facilities, improved roads and transportation, undisrupted electricity, affordable housing and higher living standards for all. To fully realise this, collaborative efforts at all levels of society, in partnership with development partners is key,” Dr Korovavala said.
UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Dirk Wagener in his remarks highlighted that with SDGs and the 2050 Strategy, we have the blueprint for the region and world we want, and there is now the need for partnerships, innovations, and financing to deliver the solutions at speed and scale.
“To achieve SDG 1 and combat poverty, we must scale-up the Pacific’s blue, green and creative economies. Here in Fiji, the Government recently launched a Blue Bond worth $20 million. The 18 projects to be funded through the Blue Bond, including coastal protection, aquaculture and ‘blue towns and cities’, are expected to yield multiplier economic and environmental benefits.
“Together, we must achieve the SDGs and Pacific Leaders’ vision for a resilient, prosperous, and inclusive Blue Pacific. We’re at the half-way point of the SDGs. It’s time to get going,” Mr. Wagener said.
