SUVA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama warned on Tuesday that island nations across the world currently face the crises of climate change and contagion.
Speaking at the opening of the Virtual Island Summit 2020, which has the theme of "Sharing knowledge for resilient, sustainable and prosperous islands worldwide", Bainimarama said that as island nations face these dual crises, climate change and contagion, island nations must stand together with a more united voice than ever before.
"Be inspired by the stories of innovation that will be shared, and take the initiative to implement real and meaningful change at home. Be the voices that urge leaders around the world to pursue an inclusive and sustainable recovery from COVID-19, one that puts our planet on the path to net-zero global emissions," he said.
In Fiji, people see themselves as incubator for innovation, he said, adding that this is what all islands have the potential to be, incubators for the big blue and green ideas humanity needs, ideas that can be scaled up across the world.
Believing that the island people are strong, creative and resilient, he said that in the face of any challenge, no matter how great, they can adapt and innovate. They can lead by doing, and they can be the change the world so badly needs.
The week-long Virtual Island Summit this year is a free and entirely online event designed to connect global islands to share their common experiences through a digital platform. Enditem
