The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres speaking in Parliament [Source: Fijian Parliament]

To ensure effective climate action, we require sound legislative frameworks.

This is as well as legislative bodies that can support and push government policies and actions everywhere.

Here again, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres says Fiji continues to be a trailblazer in the global fight.

Speaking in Parliament today, the UNSG says Fiji’s leadership is setting the benchmark in how we can effectively tackle climate change.

“Fiji is setting the example an example. Fiji was the first Small Island State to hold the Presidency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Under your Presidency, you shared with the world the Pacific concept of talanoa – the process of inclusive, participatory and transparent dialogue that takes in the private sector, civil society, academia, media and others.”

In October 2017, the UNSG notes Fiji became the first emerging market to issue a sovereign green bond.

This was in addition to an Environment and Climate Adaptation Levy which launched a rural electrification programme to reduce emissions from diesel generators.

He adds that Fiji has officially launched an important new initiative to develop finance and insurance products for vulnerable and low-income households in Fiji and other Pacific island countries.

The UNSG adding that Fiji has also shown leadership in addressing issues of human mobility and climate change, with respect for human rights.

Other countries he told Parliament in the region can learn from Fiji’s example.