[Photo: Supplied]

The new Australian Government says it is listening and engaging with the Pacific on the critical issue of climate change and playing a positive and constructive role internationally.

Pacific island countries have welcomed Australia’s new approach at the UN climate summit COP27 at Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, attended this week by Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy.

Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the UN Satyendra Prasad also welcomed Australia’s support.

“Nothing would make Pacific Islanders happier than to see Australia emerge within this decade as the New York of renewable energy and the silicon valley of renewable technologies and you have some of the best Pacific Islands minds living in Australia please put them to good use to achieving this ambition.”

Conroy met ten Pacific leaders, ministers, heads of regional organizations, and other representatives. Australia and the Pacific are preparing to bid to co-host COP31 in 2026.

Meanwhile, the Fijian Sustainable Bond Framework has been launched at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt this week.

The Framework is the first of its kind developed by a Small Island Developing State that creates a robust taxonomy for green, blue, and social projects.

According to the Fijian government, it is expected to help Fiji better communicate its sustainable development finance priorities with bilateral, multilateral, private, and philanthropic investors.