A nation of less than a million people being given the job of forging a plan of action for the entire global community of 7.4 billion people is a phenomenal achievement.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama made the comment while delivering his New Year’s message, referring to Fiji’s Presidency of COP 23.
This is the first time that Fiji has been entrusted with such a task and according to Bainimarama, Fiji will be representing not just its citizens and Pacific neighbors, but all others from low lying vulnerable areas of the world.
“It recognizes the increasing respect that Fiji enjoys, whether its for our disproportionate contribution to UN peacekeeping, our capacity building in our island neighbors, our sporting prowess or the growing collection of Fijian made quality goods and services that are penetrating markets throughout the world. It recognizes our leadership role in the Pacific and on behalf of Small Island Developing States everywhere.”
While delivering his speech, the Prime Minister reiterated his stand on climate change, saying 2017 will be a busy year for him as he will be travelling the world, trying to convince leaders to join the fight against climate change.
On the local front, Bainimarama says he will be giving equal weight to the domestic agenda, highlighting the on-going service delivery to the people and the continuing reforms that has produced the longest running period of economic growth in Fijian history.
