Pacific leaders discuss global transition away from fossil fuels

People commute on boats to Port Vila, capital city of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Mar 17, 2015. The second Pacific Ministerial Dialogue on Pathways for the Global Just Transition away from Fossil Fuels kicked off in Port Vila on March 15, 2023. (PHOTO / AGENCIES)

SUVA – The second Pacific Ministerial Dialogue on Pathways for the Global Just Transition away from Fossil Fuels kicked off in Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu on Wednesday.

The Dialogue brings together environment, energy, finance and climate change ministers and senior officials from across the Pacific region to build towards regional collective support and solidarity around a managed phase-out of fossil fuels and other key initiatives and proposals linked to a just transition, including the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance and the International Court of Justice Climate Initiative, according to local media.

The Dialogue will also provide an opportunity for ministers and senior officials to discuss the needs at the national, regional and international level for a managed phase-out of fossil fuels

The Dialogue will also provide an opportunity for ministers and senior officials to discuss the needs at the national, regional and international level for a managed phase-out of fossil fuels, what this could look like for Pacific Island economies, and how Pacific nations can champion the call for a rapid and just fossil fuel phase-out and global just transition through new international governance mechanisms at key sub-regional, regional and international moments this year.

ALSO READ: Can Asia and the Pacific reach net zero?

Fiji's Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Sakiusa Tubuna said on Wednesday that the Fijian government is supportive of an energy transition, particularly reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and increasing renewable energy consumption, including commitments to increasing green energy sources.

The three-day meeting will end on Friday.