Bangkok, Thailand – Fiji has urged world leaders to treat climate action and sustainable development as one agenda, saying lasting progress depends on integrated solutions.
Addressing the Seventh Global Conference on Climate and SDG Synergies, Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya said with 2030 fast approaching, countries can no longer afford to work in silos.
“Climate action and sustainable development are not separate goals. They are essential to each other,” she said.
‘When a cyclone comes through and devastates our region, it sets back our development by years.
Fiji still hasn’t fully completed our rebuild from the most devastating cyclone on record in the Southern Hemisphere 10 years ago, Tropical Cyclone Winston.’
Hon. Tabuya highlighted Fiji’s progress on 24 of the 169 Sustainable Development Goal targets and announced work has begun on Fiji’s Third Voluntary National Review, to be presented to the United Nations in July 2027.
She said protecting biodiversity, strengthening food and water security, reducing pollution and safeguarding oceans are fundamental to building resilient communities and sustainable economies.
“The challenges are immense, but so is our collective power. Breaking down barriers and working together will determine whether we achieve the future we want for generations to come,” she said.
Hon. Tabuya reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to working with international partners to deliver practical, integrated solutions while ensuring the priorities of Small Island Developing States remain central to global decision making.