From News Desk
Over 300 delegates from 33 countries across Asia and the Pacific convened in Nadi, Fiji, for the Sixth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific, marking the first time this regional event is hosted in the Pacific sub-region. Jointly organised by the Government of Fiji and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Forum serves as the region’s premier platform for advancing sustainable solutions and strengthening environmental resilience.
“Environmental stewardship is no longer just an ethical responsibility – it is a legal one. And it is one the Asia-Pacific must now lead with confidence, clarity and credibility,” said Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises.
Member States endorsed the Chair’s Summary that identified priority environmental issues in the region to ensure that the voice of Asia Pacific is heard at the seventh session of the upcoming United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), to be held in Nairobi from 8 to 12 December 2025, under the theme “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.”
“Both the United Nations Environment Assembly and this Regional Forum are vital examples of environmental multilateralism and leadership. Our collective response must be solution-oriented, tangible, and firmly grounded in science,” said Elizabeth Mrema, UNEP Deputy Executive Director.
In preparation for UNEA-7, five draft resolutions were introduced by member states. These included proposals on accelerating circular economy strategies (Republic of Korea), promoting coral reef resilience (Fiji), enhancing youth participation in climate action (Sri Lanka), strengthening synergies in West Asian implementation (Japan) and managing wildfires (India). Tuvalu announced its intention to submit resolutions on climate displacement and sea level rise.
Ahead of the Forum, the Asia-Pacific Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum convened, where Lenora Qereqeretabua, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji, delivered a powerful message: “Let us be clear – we are not convened for ceremony, but for courage. We will no longer accept delay disguised as diplomacy or promises without pathways.”
Youth voices also featured prominently. Eparama Qerewaqa, Representative of the Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG) to UNEP, called for the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment to be enshrined in domestic law. He also stressed the importance of inter-generational leadership.
The Forum concluded with a united call for urgent, collective action to tackle the region’s triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. With a focus on the importance of global cooperation, ministers and senior officials committed to accelerate the implementation of UNEA resolutions, enhance ambition in climate and adaptation plans and strengthen cooperation on key priorities such as ocean protection, plastic pollution, air quality, and sustainable resource use. Circular economy models, innovative financing and science-based solutions were emphasised as critical drivers of change, with special attention given to the unique needs of small islands and mountainous states.
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