An international research centre tackling climate change in the Pacific region from a uniquely business perspective has welcomed a $2 million funding commitment from the Fiji Government.
Pacific Action on Climate Transitions (PAC) is focusing on the critical links between business and climate change and finding real-world solutions for communities at the front line of our changing environment.
Fijiian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Professor Biman Prasad introduced the 2023 Budget in Parliament, which contained the funding commitment. He said:
“[Fiji’s] very existence depends on us, all working together to solve the critical problems posed by climate change and environmental degradation. The funding allocation to PACT was to facilitate co-designed projects between academia, civil society and the Ministries that will build resilience in response to climate change, strengthen the Fijian economy and contribute to Fiji’s regional leadership in addressing climate change.”
FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba welcomed the climate change research funding. She observed:
“As the national university, we are extremely thankful to the Government of the day for their funding commitment towards PACT. This is a testament to the Government’s commitment to working towards exceptional research in the areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation – which will benefit not only numerous Fijian families and communities but the entire Pacific Region.”
PACT Deputy Director Professor Seema Narayan added:
“Our long-term plan for PACT is to provide urgently needed policies that governments in the Pacific Island Nations can use to design effective economic and social mitigation and adaptation policies. We welcome the Fiji Government’s support for PACT to build the country’s capabilities against the effects of climate change in Fiji, which we consider quite groundbreaking. Until now, very little climate change policy research has focused on the role of business and industry.”
Launched in March this year, the PACT is a partnership between the Fiji National University (FNU) and Monash University’s Monash Business School.
It will focus on the critical links between business and climate change, and finding real-world solutions to communities at the front line of our changing environment.
Head of Monash Business School Professor Simon Wilkie said:
”This generous support from the Fijian Government underlines the importance of our partnership with the people of Fiji. Monash University’s other initiatives in the region, such as the World Mosquito Program and the Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) program have already made a real difference to the lives of communities throughout the Pacific at the frontline of climate change impacts.”
In addition to its research focus, the PACT centre will provide high-quality training and capacity building for local policymakers.
As per reports, the centre will aid policymakers looking to effectively fund mitigation and adaptation measures in the Pacific region and beyond, as well as providing high-quality training and capacity building.
