COP27- Fiji looks to Pope’s moral leadership in climate struggle
THE Fijian delegation met with the Holy See delegation on the sidelines of the Conference of Parties 27 held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt to discuss the abiding relationship between Fiji and the Vatican. Head of the Fijian delegation and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambasssador Dr Satyendra Prasad thanked His Holiness Pope Francis for his unwavering leadership on climate change.
He said that communities across the Blue Pacific Continent continue to draw great inspiration and faith from the moral leadership his Holiness provides on climate issues. An invitation for Pope Francis to visit Fiji in the near future was extended after an earlier planned visit was shelved due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Ambassador Prasad and Holy See representative, Paolo Conversi, expressed agreement about the need to see young children return to having an awareness of the environment and its bountiful yet fragile relationship with humanity.
They discussed the biodiversity and ocean crisis, affirming that ocean systems are central to Pacific peoples and must be mainstreamed into action related to environmental sustainability.
Ambassador Prasad highlighted the fight for a functioning Loss and Damage mechanism for Small Island Developing States and all countries affected by the high-emitting nations. He underlined the need for dedicated support from bigger countries and decisive action from the large emitters to keep the 1.5-degree threshold within reach.
Ambassador Prasad further elaborated on how a Loss and Damage funding facility would greatly assist vulnerable communities and peoples of Fiji to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
The bilateral meeting also covered adaptation measures which Fiji has implemented and the range of support and commitment needed to ensure the sustainability of fledgling adaptation projects.
Mr Conversi spoke of the Pope’s deep affection for the peoples of the Pacific and affirmed his support for their struggle, noting the grave consequences for communities, cultures and the spiritual health of individuals facing the loss of their homes to climate-induced disasters and sea level rise.
Ambassador Prasad thanked the Holy See for their expressions of solidarity. He praised his Holiness for his continued support before outlining the many challenges in relocating communities, including moving not only homes but building new roads, schools and churches and managing the mental and spiritual well-being of dislocated communities.