21 September 2017: In his speech before the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72), incoming President of the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UNFCCC Frank Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji, highlighted the need to advance implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change through a “Grand Coalition of governments at every level, civil society, the private sector and ordinary citizens.”

Stressing the need for a global response to the underlying causes of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and cyclones, he reached out to governors, mayors, people of faith, women and youth to help to advance climate action. “We are all in the same canoe,” he said.

Highlighting the need for cooperation, Bainimarama emphasized that “there is no choice to be made between prosperity and a healthy climate.” He urged countries to set the objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels as soon as possible.

Bainimarama underscored that, as any source of conflict, climate change is a threat to global security as it affects water availability and food security, and causes people to migrate. He extended an offer of refuge to Kiribati and Tuvalu if “their homes sink beneath the waves.” [Incoming COP 23 President Frank Bainimarama’s Speech at UNGA 72]

COP 23 will take place in Bonn, Germany, from 6-17 November 2017.