Sea-level rise and the irreversible effects of climate-change are putting Pacific Island States, the majority of which are low-lying islands, at great risk.

This was highlighted by the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere while delivering his remarks at the Welcoming Dinner for the 65^th

Workshop for Heads of the National Productivity or NPO in Nadi on Tuesday.

He says Fiji is grappling to keep up with the demands brought on by the aftermath of natural disasters through maintenance and relocation efforts.

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has called on stakeholders to take action in combating climate change as many communities in Fiji and the Pacific are now in desperate need for support.

“By around 2050, 240 of our coastal communities will be displaced due to the rise in sea level while 42 communities are in urgent need of relocation. It is not an overstatement to say that the situation is dire so effective collaboration is critical.

Ratu Wiliame states that while international assistance has been helpful to some extent, more can still be done.

He goes on to say that for anything to be accomplished, nations must work together.

“However, the actions by individual countries are not enough. Internal collaboration is needed in order for green productivity to be achieved.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, MSMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica highlights Fiji’s role in green productivity and the use of AI.

“Fiji also has the ability and opportunity to focus on circular economy and recycling. We have some ambitious plans to open up some green landfills and if that happens, we have the opportunity to unlock productivity in Fiji.”

“In terms of Artificial intelligence, Fiji now has its own first AI BPO which is run by KPMG from Australia to Fiji and is operated by local young men and women and artificial intelligence is the next frontier when it comes to green productivity.”

The workshop was also attended by Heads of National Productivity Organizations and Advisers from Asian Productivity Organization and other esteemed members, that seeks to look into areas of challenge for the Pacific community both in terms of increasing productivity and the application of AI in the next generation.

(Story by: Ruci Ranitu | Intern Journalist)