A national symposium for community-led sustainable development initiatives is underway at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Suva, where about 60 representatives around the country, the Government and experts will address national priorities including climate change adaptation, reforestation, sustainable livelihood efforts and more.
While opening the symposium, Assistant Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and National Disaster Jovesa Vocea says it is good to have community leaders here so that they can come and share their views, ideas and story about what is happening around their communities.
He says community led is also tied up with what they want to promote in the government now.
Vocea says some of the stories that will be heard today may assist in putting together solutions to the problem we are facing.
The Minister also told participants to come up with different projects they see and feel will benefit their community.
He also hopes that the 3-day symposium will benefit the participants and also map a way forward for the nation.
UNDP Resident Representatives Tuya Altangerel is urging the participants to raise their voice in regards to the devastating effects of climate change.
She says Fiji's voice is critical as we and the Pacific Islands are facing the full brunt of climate change.
She adds they are here to assist the communities in addressing this issue.
