Prime Minister Honourable Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama took centre stage at the High Level Political Forum on Accelerating the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote the Pacific’s stand against climate change.

While addressing the forum along the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA74) as the Chair of the PSIDS, Prime Minister Bainimarama said the SDGs were important because they were indispensable tools for moving us towards net-zero carbon economies and integrating climate action into our development plans.

“In the Pacific, we have seen mixed progress in the achievement of the SDGs and targets we had set out. The region has been moving forward nicely on gender equality, building sustainable cities and communities, and building partnerships,” he said.

“It is alarming to note recent reports indicating that even within the larger Asia-Pacific, one of the goals that seems to be lagging behind the most is Goal 13 on climate action.”

For the Pacific, Prime Minister Bainimarama said no other SDG can be effectively achieved unless we address the adverse impacts of climate change first.

“Sea-level rise, ocean acidification, extreme weather events and water security all threaten our ability to meet these SDGs. In fact, they threaten to turn back the clock on development and threaten our livelihoods and our very existence,” he said.

“A record number of Pacific SIDS presented their Voluntary National Reviews in July and more will do so in 2020. This shows the Pacific’s commitment to an all-inclusive approach in achieving our sustainable development aspirations.

“Our people are resilient and we continue to mainstream sustainable development into national and regional planning. We need predictable and adequate financing and improved access to financing, especially if we are to build the kind of resilient infrastructures called for in our plans.”

With our unique geographic and economic vulnerabilities, Prime Minister Bainimarama said a one-size-fits-all approach would not work and solutions needed to be tailored to our specific and unique circumstances.

“We are moving forward in our sustainable development journey, and we see the challenges ahead. Let’s hope that the words “leave no one behind” are more than a mantra, but that they will guide decision-making and remain at the heart of the actions we take.”

Ends.