The agreement, signed in Suva, represents a joint effort to integrate climate action across all sectors of the Fijian government, aligning with the EU’s broader strategy to support Fiji’s ambitious climate goals, including its pledge for net-zero emissions. The EU’s support extends beyond this grant, including budget support operations, renewable energy projects, and ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives, among others.

Hon. Mosese Drecala Bulitavu, Fiji’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the significance of the partnership and said; "Fiji is very appreciative of the European Union’s (EU) ongoing commitment to supporting Fiji’s national efforts to build resilience to climate change, and further enable renewable energy transition in Fiji. This grant agreement will complement and further support broader implementation of the European Union’s budget support package, which is provided in alignment with the objectives of the Climate Change Act.
 

I am pleased to announce that 13 of the 17 Parts of the Climate Change Act will enter into force in the coming days following the publication of the recently approved commencement notice. With this type of support from our partners in place, we continue to have the additional confidence to proceed with ambitious reforms and policy-based action."

The signing ceremony was attended by the Chargée d’Affaires of France, Germany and Spain, highlighting the Team Europe support for Fiji’s climate change efforts.

Her Excellency Barbara Plinkert, the European Union Ambassador to the Pacific, highlighted the European Union’s dedication to supporting Fiji’s sustainable development. "Today, we are happy to formalize this partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute, a collaboration that will provide technical assistance and resources to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. This agreement of approximately FJD 1.8 million represents our collective commitment to addressing the urgent challenges associated with climate change in Fiji and to mitigate its impact. This funding is designed to ensure that the Climate Change Division has the capacity and expertise it needs to translate the Act’s ambitious goals into tangible results. We are honored to work with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to provide expertise and targeted training programs, and to support the development of vital regulations and guidelines. This will empower Fiji to lead not only domestically but also regionally, on climate action.”

Sakiusa Tuisolia, the Regional Director for the Pacific at GGGI, appreciates the institute's role in providing technical expertise. "GGGI is honored to partner with the European Union and the Fijian government in this important initiative. We will use our expertise to support Fiji in achieving its climate goals, focusing on strengthening institutional capacity, promoting sustainable economic development, and enhancing access to climate finance."

The core purpose of the agreement is to support the Fijian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in Fiji’s climate action goals by directly enhancing its capacity to implement Fiji’s ambitious Climate Change Act. The funding will target three key areas: first, the strengthening of the Climate Change Division itself through the provision of embedded experts and targeted training programs; second, the development of critical regulatory frameworks and guidelines, essential for the Act’s practical implementation; and third, the empowerment of key stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society.

ENDS.