Dubai, 1 Dec, 2023 – The Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs Dr. Lesi Korovavala spoke at the side event “What Next for the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility,” shedding light on the Pacific’s collective efforts to address the challenges of climate-related human mobility.
Held today, the panel discussed issues surrounding the newly endorsed Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility; an initiative paramount to the health and wellbeing of Pacific peoples.
The Regional Framework on Climate Mobility is a collaborative initiative that underscores a commitment to fortify Pacific communities, making them resilient and “future-ready.”
Driven by the need to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to the hazardous impacts of climate change, particularly in relation to climate mobility, the framework provides a coordinated and inclusive approach to address the challenges faced by the region.
“I congratulate the Leaders on their bold and decisive leadership, in recognizing the reality on the ground and endorsing the Regional Framework at the 52nd PIF Leaders Regional Meeting in Rarotonga,” expressed Dr. Korovavala.
Fiji, honored to have led the framework alongside the Government of Tuvalu, has seen the progression of the framework through rigorous review and consultation processes, engaging member states, stakeholders, and partners across the region.
The framework, designed to align with the laws and policies of member states, is collaborative in nature, prioritizing the safeguarding of rights, dignity, and well-being of those affected by climate-related displacement and mobility.
Dr. Korovavala highlighted the collective efforts required to address climate-related human mobility, emphasising the impacts of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation already being felt.
Migration, displacement, and planned relocation are challenges that demand collective efforts transcending national borders.
The Regional Framework aligns seamlessly with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and strategically supports the implementation of thematic areas and strategic pathways under the 2050 Strategy.
Dr. Korovavala acknowledged the invaluable contributions of implementing partners, including the Pacific Islands Forum, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and United Nations agencies, among others.
“I look forward to your continued support in the drafting of the Action Plan to implement this Framework, and the consultations that will be undertaken, to continue this important piece of work to make our Pacific a future-ready, resilient, and prosperous one.
