Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, revealed in a Press Conference yesterday that 'Climate Change' took centre stage at the 39th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Niue.
Discussed at the Pacific Leader's meeting was the growing threat of climate change and the solutions to the problem. The Pacific Region is the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.The Solomon Islands Government therefore has taken the initiative to establish the Ministry of Environment and Conservation, where it will work with relevant stakeholders to tackle the issues relating to climate change.
According to the Prime Minister, climate change has a great impact on the economic, social and cultural well-being of the country and the Pacific.
Dr. Sikua went on to say that the Pacific Leaders came up with eleven new priorities to further advance the Pacific Plan over the next twelve months and the ways to address climate change was one of these priorities.
Also discussed were the Food Security and Energy issues and according to the Prime Minister, "these priorities are directly relevant and consistent with what the Government is trying to do or address at the National level regarding the rising food and fuel prices."
Prime Minister Dr. Sikua emphasized the need to continuously work closely with the Regional Institutions and other developing partners to address climate change, rise in food and fuel prices and other things affecting Solomon Islands.