‘Pacific Green Business Centre’ Launched
The Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) in partnership with the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the “Pacific Green Business Centre” at the Hexagon Hotel in Nadi.
The launch took place during the last day of PIPSO’s Regional Capacity Building Workshop with the Pacific Green Business Centre formally launched by PIDF secretary general Francois Martel and PIPSO board chairperson Howard Politini.
Mr Politini said that the private sector in the Pacific must become really serious about caring for our environment because of our heavy reliance on the ocean and environment for resources and raw materials.
“A business that does not grow, dies. But in growth, respect for the environment must be incorporated,” he said.
Mr Politini applauded the efforts and initiatives globally that have been focused on Climate Change and said that in light of the fact that Fiji was chairing the COP 23, we as Pacific Islanders, have a huge responsibility in taking ownership to protect our environment.
Mr Martel, in his address said that the world has pledged to be carbon free by 2050, and the private sector would ultimately be the ones taking a lead role in achieving this.
“The role of the private sector in the Pacific in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is not only important – it is necessary” said Mr Martel. He also stressed the importance of high ambition, and the need to mainstream the green economy in the Pacific region – both of which will be the ultimate goals of the Pacific Green Business Centre. Mr Martel said that the private sector in the Pacific must be the agents for this change and transition.
The Pacific Green Business Centre is a virtual platform designed to enhance existing initiatives, explore new, “Greener” business models and best-practices to transition to greener modes of doing business.
This digital platform will stimulate the Private Sector (possibly even through incentives) to build a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
The Pacific Green Business Centre will be a depository of information on green climate financing and SDGs financing to assist the Private sector in preparing funding proposals.
Under this partnership, PIDF will be responsible for developing a Governance Structure for the Pacific Green Business Centre; developing the actual portal and updating and maintaining the virtual center.
PIPSO has taken the responsibility of ensuring the quality and the relevance of the information, assessing the content of the virtual center and ensuring that the portal is marketed to their members and affiliates.
UNDP will advocate for the Pacific Green Business Center in various fora, provide advice and relevant information on best practices that would support the purpose of the Pacific Green Business Center.