Experts, researchers, policymakers, civil society organisations and students will soon convene in Suva to engage in meaningful discussions on climate resilience.
The Global Development Network (GDN), in collaboration with the Government of Fiji and the University of South Pacific, are hosting the Global Development Conference, scheduled for November 26-28, 2024 at the USP Laucala Campus.
President of the Global Development Network, Jean-Louis Arcand, noted the collaboration represents an important step towards fostering global synergies aimed at achieving sustainable development.
He continued: “Fiji’s recent inclusion as a member of GDN’s International Assembly further strengthens this cooperation, offering new opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and joint action.”
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Biman Prasad, emphasised how the government’s long-term relationship with GDN could benefit Fiji’s research ecosystem.
Minister Prasad noted: “It opens new doors for Fijian policymakers, researchers, academics, and professional organisations to engage in cutting-edge research, participate in GDN’s global research initiatives and collaborate with a worldwide community dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing development challenges. All this with the objective to produce policies that are grounded in evidence and contextualised to the specific needs of our region.”
Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of the South Pacific (USP) stated, “USP plays a crucial role in the development of the Pacific region as a central hub for higher education, research and innovation, focusing on key regional challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and resource management. Co-hosting this important event at USP will enhance and add value to our community outreach and capacity-building initiatives, collaboration with other CROP agencies and promoting/sharing our sustainable practices.”