The Pacific has raised its voice on the global stage to speak out on critical issues such as climate change and the oceans.

Speaking at a reception in Suva last night, Crown Prince of Norway Haakon Magnus says under the leadership of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama – the voice of the Pacific has been heard.

Prince Magnus believes that peace and security, climate action and sustainable development are all interlinked.

He says Fijians and Norwegians share a deep concern for the future of the planet and it all depends on the ability of working together.

“Fiji’s leadership has been crucial for ensuring progress in the implantation of the Paris Agreement. We’ve been proud to work with Fiji to promote climate action and now we are proud to be cooperating with you on ensuring sustainable management of our oceans.” 

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says both nations are faced with a mutual sense of urgency to address climate change, as the consequences of rising seas and heightened temperatures are already being felt by Fijians and Norwegians alike.

“While the whole world stands to suffer from a changing climate, the impact afflicting our nations is already proving to be outsized-warming is accelerating at a particularly alarming pace in Scandinavia, and stronger tropical cyclones have ravaged Fiji in recent years. Our agricultural and fishing sectors are being disrupted, and entire industries are reeling to adapt.”

The PM says wherever both countries fall on the globe, across borders, oceans and hemispheres, all of humanity shares a common future when it comes to climate change as we’re all in the same canoe.

Fiji and Norway have been working together for almost 50 years in the United Nations and our collaboration has included taking part in the law of sea negotiations and in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, Sudan, and the Sinai Peninsula.

Meanwhile, Prince Magnus is expected to deliver his key note at the University of the South Pacific today after he visits the Fiji Rugby Union.

He will visit the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies and also engage in Canoe sailing.

The Prince will attend a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Veiuto before making his last stop at Daku village, Tailevu where he will meet members of the communities.

He will then depart for Nadi.