Fiji is advocating for a more integrated and supportive approach from the United Nations (UN) development system, emphasizing the need for genuine partnerships and local leadership empowerment. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, highlighted the importance of this approach during a UN Leaders Planning Meeting in Lami. He pointed out the significant challenges Fiji and other Pacific Islands face due to climate change, noting their role as pioneers in adaptation, resilience, and innovation.
Professor Prasad stressed the urgency of reforming the way global governance addresses issues faced by the most vulnerable, particularly small island states confronting climate crises. He criticized the current aid system for its fragmentation and inefficiencies, which he said disproportionately impact Pacific Island nations. The region, he argued, should be seen not just as an aid recipient but as an active participant in creating a sustainable future.
UN Fiji Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener reiterated the UN’s commitment to aligning its reforms with Pacific priorities and to continue being a reliable partner. This collaboration is particularly vital as Fiji intensifies efforts to co-host COP31, emphasizing the region’s proactive role in global climate discussions.
The call for a more relationship-based development approach echoes previous statements by Fiji’s leadership. President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has emphasized Fiji’s influential role in regional leadership, despite being a small nation, and its active participation in international climate efforts. Fiji’s policies focus on economic resilience, people empowerment, and good governance, aligned with regional strategies like the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The vision for the future involves transitioning from transactional aid models to ones that prioritize sustainability and equity, especially as Pacific nations confront rising sea levels and frequent, severe weather events. Fiji’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration and leadership highlights the Pacific’s critical voice in global climate and development conversations. This not only underscores a need for global cooperation but also offers hope for a future where small island states can thrive through sustainable and equitable practices.