Environmental leaders from 33 Asia-Pacific countries met in Fiji last week to push for urgent climate action and prepare joint resolutions for the UN Environment Assembly in December, according to a official release from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Over 300 delegates gathered in Nadi from August 26-29 for the Sixth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities, marking the first time this regional summit was held in the Pacific. The Fiji government and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) organized the event to tackle what officials called the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Ministers endorsed priority issues to present at the upcoming UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi this December.
The Pacific location carried special weight as island nations face rising seas and extreme weather. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica told delegates that environmental protection “is no longer just an ethical responsibility — it is a legal one.” The forum serves as the region’s main platform for coordinating environmental policies and sharing solutions between countries.
Five countries introduced draft resolutions for the December assembly, including South Korea’s circular economy proposal, Fiji’s coral reef protection plan, and Sri Lanka’s youth climate participation initiative. “Both the United Nations Environment Assembly and this Regional Forum are vital examples of environmental multilateralism,” said Elizabeth Mrema, UNEP’s deputy head. Japan and India also submitted resolutions on environmental agreements and wildfire management. Tuvalu announced plans for resolutions addressing climate displacement and sea level rise.
Youth representatives played a bigger role than in past forums. Eparama Qerewaqa from the Children and Youth Major Group called for countries to enshrine the right to a clean environment in their laws. Assistant Foreign Minister Lenora Qereqeretabua delivered a blunt message: “We will no longer accept delay disguised as diplomacy or promises without pathways.”
The forum wrapped up with commitments to speed up climate plans, protect oceans, and fight plastic pollution through science-based solutions and new financing models.
