Fiji Pushes For A Strong Outcome In The Final Hours Of COP28 Through The High Ambition Coalition.

As COP28 enters its final hours, His Excellency Ambassador Amena Yauvoli is still advocating for the priorities and strong message outlined by the Honourable Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka during his participation in the high-level Ministerial sessions of COP28.

Ambassador Yauvoli has expressed his appreciation to Team Fiji for their steadfast dedication to the negotiations and their efforts to enhance the overall ambition and scientific accuracy of the Global Stock Take document.

Although the message seemed to have had an impact, Ambassador Yauvoli recognizes that there are still obstacles to overcome. He stresses the critical importance of the negotiations for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), such as Fiji.

During a closed meeting, Ambassador Yauvoli conveyed a powerful message using a Fijian idiom, “Tu Na Inima Luvu Na Waqa,” which translates to “the boat sinks, despite the presence of the bailers.” This metaphor illustrates the point that even if everyone makes a concerted effort to bail out a damaged boat, there is still a risk that it may not be enough to prevent a crisis.

Ambassador Yauvoli reiterated his belief that the key objective is to keep the global average temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius advocated by small island states, and it must guide and define all elements of the package agreed upon in Dubai.

“We need to be guided by science and equipped to challenge pseudo-science,” he emphasized. While supporting the common positions discussed by the High Ambition Coalition. a group of the most ambitious developed and developing countries, he stressed the importance of ensuring an equitable outcome that recognises the special circumstances of small island states while also stressing the need to accelerate emissions reductions.

The COP28 conference has continued beyond the scheduled time, with negotiations getting more intense as participating countries strive to reach a consensus on crucial issues such as phasing out fossil fuels, establishing a global adaptation goal, and significantly increasing climate financing.

Ambassador Yauvoli has expressed gratitude towards Fiji’s technical negotiating team and the Pacific delegations for their efforts in navigating these intricate international negotiations and securing the future and survival of Small Island States.