The fight against climate change is the fight for our existence says Former Kiribati President Anote Tong.

Delivering a statement during the Grand Coalition Panel at the Partnership Day of the PreCOP meeting in Nadi today, Tong says that the future of the pacific people is on the line.

Tong says the Pacific region is a collection of some of the most climate change vulnerable countries on the planet.

“We need to constantly remind ourselves and those less sensitive to our situation that this is not a trade negotiation. This is a discussion. This is a fight for our right to continue to exist.”

Tong also reiterated his support for Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama who will assume the chairmanship of the COP23 in Bonn, Germany in three weeks.