The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) is ready to further support the Fijian Government in its unprecedented efforts to advance Fiji’s national development and promote regional cooperation in post-COVID-19 recovery plans and strategies.
This was conveyed at a courtesy call received by Permanent Secretary (PS) for Office of the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs, Mr Yogesh Karan from the Head of ESCAP Sub-regional Office for the Pacific, Ms. Andie Fong Toy, this afternoon (05/09/22). She was accompanied by Deputy Head of ESCAP Pacific Office, Mr Sudip Basu.
On behalf of the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, PS Karan congratulated Ms Toy as she assumes her new position at UNESCAP Sub-regional Office, based in Suva, which supports Fiji and the Pacific.
PS Karan thanked UNESCAP for assisting Fiji’s economic recovery efforts from COVID-19 pandemic, climate adaptation and oceans management, amongst others.
The meeting touched on potential areas of collaboration that UNESCAP will pursue with Fiji in these areas:
(1) Accelerating climate actions and disaster risk reduction particularly in building resilience and adaptation; (2) Mapping sustainable transport and digital connectivity needs particularly as the Fijian economy continues to grow; (3) Exploring innovative options to finance Fiji’s projects on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
PS Karan welcomed UNESCAP’s commitment to support Fiji in green climate funding accessibility, green sustainable transport initiatives, women entrepreneurship programs, amongst other areas of cooperation.
PS Karan said the newly launched “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent” which is now our North Star, outlines priorities that UNESCAP and other development partners can use as a guide to work with Fiji.
In response, Head of ESCAP Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Ms Andie Fong Toy commended the Fijian Government’s active participation in ESCAP sub-regional and regional activities and platforms, and its strong leadership at global fora in advancing shared aspirations and common development goals.
She also acknowledged the Fijian Government for its continued engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and support extended to the Regional Commission over the years.
Ms Toy is grateful to Fiji for co-chairing with Tuvalu the Regional Climate Mobility Framework, which is unique and first of such framework in the world. Phase 2 of the programme aims to have the Framework endorsed by Forum Leaders at their 2023 meeting.
The meeting highlighted UNESCAP’s current areas of support to Fiji, which includes focus on developing a climate mobility framework, strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, policy and financial innovation for women entrepreneurs, and adopting and implementing the ESCAP National Tracker Tool on SDGs.
Discussions included Pacific Climate Change Migration and Human Security (PCCM-HS) Programme, the joint-UN agency programme which promotes greater protection and empowerment of communities which are adversely affected by climate change and disasters; focusing on migration, displacement and planned relocation.
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. It is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region, which promotes cooperation among its 53 member States and 9 associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges.
