Pacific Leaders took part in the global launch of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific on the margins of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York yesterday (23/09/22).
The 2050 Strategy, developed under Fiji’s Chairmanship of the PIF, outlines 10 commitments across seven interconnected thematic areas that are crucial for the sustainable long term development of the region.
Prime Minister and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Voreqe Bainimarama, whilst delivering his keynote address at the launch, said the “Strategy is more than a framework and it is more than the sum of its words. It is a vision, it is hope, it is the wind in the sails of our drua for a sustainable Pacific, it is a defiant message, but most of all it is a unified message of resilience from a people united by the Blue Pacific and united in purpose”.
“Together, we are an oceanic superpower. We are the stewards of the world’s largest ocean, the largest ecosystem, and the largest carbon sink. We know the responsibility that comes with this.”
At the Launch, he reminded PIF’s dialogue partners that we will not go willingly toward the catastrophe of 1.5 degrees or more of global warming. We will not be intimidated into inaction and we will not be quiet about what is necessary to save us.
The focus areas also include political leadership and regionalism, people-centred development, peace and security, resource and economic development, climate change and disasters, environment, and technology and connectivity.
The 2050 Strategy places a central focus on our ocean.
The PIF Chair further highlighted that the ocean is central to our identity, our livelihoods, and our future.
The Strategy emphasises preserving, protecting and securing the ocean but it also seeks to ensure that we, the custodians and stewards of the Pacific Ocean, can benefit from our ocean resources through sustainable blue economic development.
Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama told the Pacific’s dialogue partners that climate change is now a persistent code red for our region.
He therefore, reminded development partners and especially major emitters to curb their carbon emissions now.
He said that the small states of the Blue Pacific needed expanded access to concessional climate finance for adaptation; access to modern technology and to innovations to support the Pacific’s economic transition.
The Prime Minister also thanked our dialogue partners, donors and development partners and looked forward to a new dynamic in our partnership.
New Zealand Prime Minister, Honourable Jacinda Ardern, at the launch, reaffirmed Aotearoa New Zealand’s support towards the region on the implementation of the Strategy.
PIF Secretary-General, Mr Henry Puna, said the Strategy is more than a Strategy. It is an expression of the Pacific people’s deep affection for our region, our deep love of our Pacific ocean and resources and our commitment to maintaining our culture and traditions. It is vital that the 2050 Strategy guide our collective activities and actions as we address our challenges and exploit our strengths and our opportunities.
