I took particular notice of the communique relating to climate change, considered to be a matter of priority, and one must hope the statement is meaningful and procrastination on the climate change concerns, particularly as it concerns the Solomon Islands, is likely to see change and not become a thief of time, as the saying goes.
Here is the relevant part of the final communique as relayed by Radio New Zealand today and from which I quote.
"Climate change 'a matter of priority"
"The communique stated climate change "continues to be a matter of priority to the Pacific region and relatedly, the issue of resilient development."
Leaders reaffirmed the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific (FRDP) as their commitment to inclusive and innovative approaches and solutions to the enhancement of resilience in wellbeing.
They welcomed the Australian Government's update on its bid to host the 31st United Nations Climate Change Convention Conference of the Parties (COP 31) in 2026 in partnership with the Pacific region.
The leaders recognised the need to coordinate regional efforts to effectively address disaster risks, manage humanitarian action and response, advocate for timely access to disaster risk finance, and meaningfully engage in international meetings.
On sea level rise, they discussed the broad-ranging nature of climate change and recognised that sea level rise is a severe manifestation of climate change that threatens Pacific communities, especially in low-lying nations.
"Accordingly, Leaders agreed to elevate the issue of sea level rise politically, including at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
"Leaders welcomed the dedicated High-Level Plenary Meeting on the theme Addressing the Existential Threats posed by Seal-level Rise, to take place on 25 September 2024 in New York," the communique states.
Leaders strongly called for the inclusion of sea-level rise as a standalone agenda item in the UNGA and other relevant UN processes.
They also reaffirmed their support and commitment for the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), recognising it as the first Pacific-led, member-owned and managed and people-centered climate and disaster resilience financing facility.
They warmly welcomed the commitment by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres to Forum Leaders to support the capitalisation of the Pacific Resilience Facility, which has an initial financing target of $US500 million by 1 January 2026, and a longer-term goal of $US1.5b.
Australia, Saudi Arabia, the People's Republic of China and the United States have contributed to this fund, and the communique states Pacific leaders are urging other dialogue partners to pledge their contributions so the fund can meet its targets."
End of quote.
Comment.
Climate change, particularly as it now impacts the Solomon Islands, with sinking islands, far reaching inland flooding from sea rise, constant coastal erosion soil erosion, displacement of its people, destruction of food gardens, water contamination of wells, disease, the loss of homes and a poor economy unable to cope with resilience measures to effectively combat sea rise, cannot be a victim any longer of procrastination and my hope is the so called "Pacific Resilience Facility" will be fully supported, financed and help save the Solomon Islands without further delay.
Sincerely
Frank Short.
www.solomonislandsinfocus.com
