Climate change goals
FIJI as a small island nation was held hostage to the climate crisis that is faced today.
This was highlighted by Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum while delivering his speech at the Voluntary National Review in New York this week.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said that Fiji had been ravaged by the effects of strengthening storms and rising seas and was committed to meeting goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“If we are to meet the goals outlined by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, every decision we make must be climate-minded,” he said.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said without a habitable planet for our children to inherit, all works to achieve the SDGs would be for naught. He said to achieve each of the 17 SDGs, there was a need to look not only across borders, but across oceans, and across hemispheres, to learn from each other.
He added that striking a delicate balance between sustainable development and economic growth, individual empowerment, social inclusivity and environmental conservation had long been a challenge for nations the world over.
“That’s why the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is such an important framework for nations of the world to strive for, to challenge themselves, and to –– above all else –– never forget that we are fighting not for our political lives, but for the lives of the citizens we serve, the lives of our children and grandchildren, and the lives of those generations that come long after we’ve gone.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum also highlighted that Fiji was honoured to present at this year’s High-Level Political Forum.