Our actions express our priorities - Deputy P.M.

By Sarafina Sanerivi 16 December 2016, 12:00AM

Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, pulled the curtains on the 15th Global Climate Fund board meeting held in Apia yesterday evening.

Fiame, who is also the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, expressed Samoa’s gratitude to the G.C.F Board for choosing Samoa as the venue for its first meeting in the Pacific.

The closing ceremony was held at the Samoa Convention Center. 

Close to two hundred delegates from all around the world gathered to celebrate the end of a hectic week.

Fiame spoke about how this meeting is vitally important in the global fight against climate change, especially for small island states like Samoa.

“In looking back now, the week seems it has lasted forever,” she said.  “In going through it every single day, through the discussions, the debates and over-coffee conversations, did we stop and wonder what impacts we have made on the world around us?’  “Have we made a difference? I hope some, if not all of us, might’ve stopped to think and consider if we have left nothing for tomorrow, which can be done today.”

The Deputy Prime Minister said so much talk has been reported about climate change.

 “However, we’ve all been inspired to take action as the challenges we face can no longer be left to a future generation,” she said.  “Because the longer we wait, the harder the problems will be to solve. 

“This week has given us the motivation to be the changes we would wish to see in the environment we live in, and in the world that we share. Our actions express our priorities. 

“The decisions of the board demonstrate their understanding of what we as developing countries have prioritised.”

She was also given the honor on behalf of all the Small Island Countries to announce and thank the board members for recognizing the various proposals which have been approved in this meeting.

 “In this regard, I have the privilege of acknowledging with the deepest sense of appreciation and gratitude the decisions made in favor of the proposals made by the Small Islands Developing States and in particular, our proposal from Samoa. 

“What a fitting finale for the board meeting that four out of eight proposals approved today are from S.I.D.S. Our S.I.D.S colleagues I am sure will join me in thanking the Board for the recognition given to the vulnerable small islands developing states.”

Finally, she spoke on behalf of the government of Samoa in thanking the outgoing Co-Chairs of G.C.F for their hard work over the past years.

“We will remember this legacy we inherited while under your watch. May one strong pillar fall and another replace it.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 16 December 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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