Hundreds of participants gathered in Suva today for the Run for Climate, an event organized by the European Union (EU), the German Embassy, the Alliance for Future Generations, and Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. This initiative aimed to promote awareness of the critical need for climate action leading up to the upcoming COP30 summit in Brazil.
EU Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, highlighted the event’s significance, remarking that the Pacific region is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. She stated, “This is to raise awareness about the global climate emergencies, as there is no region in the world that’s more affected than the Pacific.” Plinkert reaffirmed the ongoing collaboration between the EU and Fiji, emphasizing that climate change remains a top priority in their efforts.
The EU’s commitment to supporting Fiji is evident, with approximately 70 percent of the EU’s funding in the Pacific directed towards climate-related projects. These include initiatives focused on renewable energy and hydropower, as well as support for Fiji’s Climate Act. Plinkert noted, “We are helping Fiji implement its Climate Act and strengthen resilience. It’s a joint effort between the EU, Germany, and the Pacific.”
Eparama Qerewaqa, Executive Coordinator of the Alliance for Future Generations, emphasized the event’s timing as a demonstration of solidarity, especially as Pacific nations prepare to attend the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil.
In the context of prior efforts, the Run for Climate reflects a broader commitment within the Pacific to tackle climate challenges. A recent Climate Change Act partnership between the EU and Fiji, which includes a $32.3 million investment, aims to enhance climate action across various government sectors. This funding supports initiatives to improve ecosystem resilience and advance Fiji’s ambitious climate objectives.
As Fiji and its Pacific partners continue to prioritize climate resilience and sustainability, there remains a sense of hope that collaborative actions and community engagement can lead to meaningful advancements in combating climate change. The Run for Climate stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to forge a united front in addressing these pressing challenges.