[Source: Fiji Government/ Facebook]

Government leaders from Fiji are calling for a just and inclusive global transition from fossil fuels as leaders from around the world meet at COP30.

Assistant Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services Naisa Tuinaceva said the clean-energy shift was not theoretical for Fiji.

Rising seas, stronger storms and high fuel costs are already affecting families and businesses.

He explained that Fiji’s NDC3.0 sets bold targets; expanding renewable energy, upgrading electricity grids, boosting battery storage and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels that threaten national energy security.

Tuinaceva warns that global support must be practical and predictable. Climate finance, new technologies and workforce training are essential.

He adds that even though Fiji does not produce fossil fuels, small island states must be included in a just transition.

Equity is central to Fiji’s plan. Women, youth, traditional leaders and rural communities must all benefit from the shift to clean, affordable energy.

At a regional ocean-climate dialogue, Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa shared that strong municipal councils are crucial for turning national commitments into real impact.

He explained the councils’ role in coastal protection, marine restoration, renewable energy and climate-ready infrastructure.

Outdated laws, revenue gaps, weak governance and limited planning capacity, however, are slowing progress.

To address this, the Ministry is aligning municipal planning with ocean-climate priorities, improving governance and transparency, advocating for climate finance and technology and reforming laws and institutions for climate-ready councils.

Nalumisa states empowered local governments are key to resilience. Strong councils mean stronger oceans, safer communities and a more climate-ready Fiji.

The global climate summit is underway in Belém, Brazil.

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