The timely visit by the Crown Princess of Denmark Mary Elizabeth to our shores this week is an opportunity to advance Fiji and Denmark’s partnership in building inclusive and sustainable development.
This message was conveyed yesterday (25/4/23) at a welcoming reception accorded to Her Royal Highness (HRH) the Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth of Denmark and the UN Under-Secretary-General and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem.
The reception was attended by the Deputy Prime Ministers Hon. Manoa Kamikamica and Hon. Viliame Gavoka; Attorney-General Hon. Siromi Turaga, cabinet ministers, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
Speaking at the occasion, DPM Kamikamica on behalf of the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka thanked the Crown Princess and UNFPA Executive Director for their timely visit to Fiji.
“We are appreciative of your commitment to visit Fiji and indeed the region at this very important time.
“At the outset I acknowledge our active cooperation with Denmark at the multilateral and bilateral levels with mutual priorities on key issues including human rights, democracy, climate change, oceans sustainable development partnerships, peace and security.
“As a developing economy we have much to learn from Denmark’s development progress and global leadership on sustainable development and digital innovation amongst others,” DPM Kamikamica said.
He also acknowledged UNFPA for its continued cooperation with Fiji in looking after the needs of most vulnerable women, men, youth and children.
“I congratulate the UNFPA Executive Director on the launch of the State of the World Population Report 2023.
“The report provides an update on the current state and projections of the world’s population including trends, challenges and opportunities for sustainable development.
“I know that there are areas we need to improve in our partnership with UNFPA and I am confident that your visit this week provides an excellent opportunity to explore this even further,” DPM Kamikamica highlighted.
Reflecting on the delegation’s visit to the Nabavatu village, DPM Kamikamica reiterated on the need for a collective effort to tackle the climate crisis.
“Our guests had the opportunity to travel to Nabavatu village in Dreketi, witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change induced natural disasters in Fiji.
“I am sure you would have heard from those directly affected that recurring and intensive nature of natural disasters are drivers for relocation of our people.
“A people centered approach should take into account how climate change affects all people particularly women and young people is important when putting relocation plans into actions.”
He stressed that climate action plans need to include investment in health, education, empowerment of women and girls to strengthen the ability of individuals and communities to adapt to the changing climate.
“In saying this, I trust that your remaining engagements with the stakeholders provide leverage for our continued cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral levels,” DPM Kamikamica said.
