The UN’s leading agency, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has today reasserted its commitment to assist the People’s Coalition Government through the provision of support estimated to be USD 35 Million for the next three to five years, under the UNDP’s Multi-Country Programme.
The collaboration will focus on three priority areas, namely “Peace, Prosperity, and Planet”.
This was conveyed to the Assistant for Minister Foreign Affairs, Honourable Lenora Qereqeretabua while receiving letter of credentials from the UNDP’s new Resident Representative for the Pacific based in Suva, Fiji, Ms. Munkhtuya Altangerel.
On behalf of the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, Hon. Qereqeretabua congratulated Ms. Altangerel on the assumption of her new role and wished her well for her tenure in Fiji.
She acknowledged UNDP’s support to Fiji over the years and welcomed the comprehensive support which UNDP aims to deliver through the Multi-Country Programme.
Hon. Qereqeretabua said this commitment reflects UNDP’s dedication to making a substantial and lasting impact on the well-being and development of Fiji.
On the same note, she reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment for the new strategic partnership with UNDP to deliver programs aligned with Fiji’s development priorities and needs.
The discussions highlighted prospects for cooperation in social cohesion initiatives, rural electrification endeavors, blue economy transformation projects, and circular economy initiatives.
UNDP’s new Resident Rep assured Hon. Qereqeretabua of UNDP’s strong commitment to promote equality and diversity among the UNDP’s workforce and to ensure Fijian nationals are accorded with equal opportunities.
Ms. Altangerel said UNDP appreciates the strong partnership with the Government of Fiji and acknowledges Fiji’s contribution to the global stage on amplifying the effects of climate change advocating for environmental justice and access to resource for climate adaptation.
She highlighted that UNDP’s commitment to Fiji is manifested through its Multi-Country Programme, which received official approval in February 2023 with the endorsement of the Fiji Government.
Furthermore, Ms. Altangerel reaffirmed UNDP’s unwavering commitment to stand by Fiji by providing continued support that adapts to the evolving needs of the nation.
She said, “Together, we strive to make a meaningful and sustainable difference in the face of climate change and related environmental issues.”
Ms. Altangerel said she looks forward to working with Hon. Qereqeretabua in her capacity also as the Deputy Speaker, to promote the women and youth in leadership.
With the “peace portfolio” UNDP is responding to the needs of the Government of Fiji with a particular focus on strengthening institutions for effective governance including parliaments, access to justice institutions, Citizen Engagement, Gender in politics, Rule of Law, and social cohesion.
Similarly with the “prosperity” priority area, UNDP is supporting economic diversification, a priority area for the new Government, by unlocking the development potential of Fiji’s blue economy, attracting innovative funding for renewable energy and empowerment of women.
Under the blue economy sphere, UNDP’s support include Investing in Coral Reefs and Blue Economy and likewise under the “planet” outcome area, UNDP’s support is through the Governance for Resilience project to risk inform development.
