Transcript
COLIN TUKUITONGA: It is fantastic news for the region because despite the progress that was made up to the Paris Agreement and of course subsequently the ratification and the agreement entering into force there are still influential people who might take a different view and still from the Pacific's perspective we just simply can't afford to let up and who better to hoist the flag high and raise the Pacific voice at the global level than one of our own.
BEN ROBINSON-DRAWBRIDGE: Why do you think in particular Fiji will be a good leader?
CT: Well I think for a number of reasons, Fiji is currently the chair of the UN general assembly that is a first for the region. And they have shown in other related negotiations they have shown leadership for this region. Particularly in respect of climate change. And Fiji of course is experiencing both being affected by the negative impact of climate change. But also has been involved in discussions with Kiribati around what they might do if people where forced to leave their homes for example. So they have a unique experience if you like to share with the rest of the world.
BR-D: For Fiji to be appointed to roles of such prominence does this not deflect some criticism of problems with its own democracy?
CT: Oh I think that is clearly a decision and a consideration that members of the international community has taken into account and I would imagine if the international community doesn't have the confidence then perhaps they might have not made the decision.
BR-D: So what can other countries in the Pacific do and what can the Pacific Community do to support Fiji now?
CT: This is where, we call ourselves the CROP agencies, the council of regional organisations in the Pacific. SPC-The Pacific Community, SPREP, the Forum (Pacific Islands Forum) and other step up and support Fiji in terms of the technical skills and information and we have done that in terms of providing scientific and technical information and support. Obviously the development partners have an important role to play in supporting and resourcing the delegations. That are part and parcel of these negotiations. And of course the other island countries to provide support to Fiji in the actual negotiations these are long convoluted processes and if you have got a scrum that is strong enough to hold up against what might come from the other way I think it is clearly going to be important for the Pacific region.
Dr Colin Tukuitonga says the election of President Trump has caused concern in the Pacfic about the United States' commitment to fighting climate change.
But he says the Pacific Community expects to continue working with the US on the issue.
