Fiji and Panama have reaffirmed their commitment to working together on climate change, plastic pollution and protecting vulnerable communities during a bilateral meeting at the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya met with Panama’s Vice Minister for Environment, Mr. Oscar Vallarino, to discuss shared priorities, including the transition away from fossil fuels, the Global Plastics Treaty, climate resilience and improved access to climate finance.
As Fiji prepares to host Pre-COP31, Minister Tabuya highlighted the importance of ensuring Pacific voices are heard in global climate negotiations and welcomed opportunities for closer collaboration with Panama.
The meeting also explored Panama’s innovative work on monitoring climate-related loss and damage, as well as opportunities for cooperation through the Green Climate Fund offices in Panama City and Suva.
Both countries agreed that vulnerable nations need simpler, faster and fairer access to climate finance to strengthen resilience and protect communities on the frontlines of climate change.