Hundreds gathered yesterday for the “Run for Climate 2025” event at Albert Park in Suva, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and support for climate action in the Pacific. The event, organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific alongside the German Embassy in Suva, the Suva Marathon Club, and the Alliance for Future Generations Fiji, serves as a community fun run promoting climate resilience and sustainable development.
During the gathering, European Union Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, highlighted the occasion coinciding with the EU’s Green Diplomacy Weeks. She emphasized the EU’s solidarity with Pacific nations in their pursuit of climate resilience and sustainable development. “Surrounded by your energy and enthusiasm, I am reminded of how far we have come and how much further we can go, if we run or walk together to the Suva foreshore, to Belém, and beyond,” Plinkert stated, fostering a sense of hope and collective action among participants.
This event aligns with ongoing discussions and previous initiatives in Fiji that underscore the urgency of climate action. Recently, Fiji secured USD 27 million from the Climate Investment Fund to enhance its climate strategy and ecosystem resilience, marking a significant step in the country’s comprehensive approach to addressing climate change. This funding is expected to benefit approximately 80,000 Fijians and improve biodiversity across the nation.
Ambassador Plinkert’s remarks reflect a broader commitment from the EU to partner with Pacific nations, focusing on collaboration in climate-related initiatives. This growing momentum, symbolized by community engagements like the “Run for Climate,” illustrates the rising call for collective action to combat climate change challenges.
The event rejuvenated spirits and fortified the commitment among participants to work collaboratively towards a sustainable future, as Fiji endeavors to enhance its climate strategies through local and international partnerships. This call for unity and proactive engagement in climate advocacy fosters optimism for the Pacific’s ability to address environmental threats and continue striving for resilience and sustainability.