SUVA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi stressed on Wednesday the importance of energy and transport in global efforts to tackle climate change and achieve sustainable development objectives.
According to a Samoan government statement, speaking at the opening of the 4th Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers meeting in the capital city of Apia, the prime minister said that energy and transport are at the crux of global efforts to tackle climate change and achieve sustainable development objectives.
"I understand that this will be the opportunity to review commitments and progress with regard to the provision of sustainable, modern and efficient energy services, and sustainable, reliable and safe transportation and mobility in the Pacific islands region," he said.
"Furthermore you will also be discussing the role of the energy and transport sectors to support 'The Blue Pacific' collective action for advancing the Pacific leaders vision under the Framework for Pacific Regionalism."
The prime minister said Pacific leaders at last month's Tuvalu meeting endorsed the development of a 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, while acknowledging the need for urgent, immediate actions on the threats and challenges of climate change facing the Blue Pacific and realizing the health and wellbeing of Pacific people to secure a bright and prosperous future for the Pacific region.
The new 2050 vision for the Pacific island countries must recognize the Blue Pacific Continent that make up the territories and economic exclusive zones of the region, he said, adding that the vision must determine how Pacific island countries can form and effective union, building on the SAMOA Pathway (The Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action) and the Boe Declaration (The Pacific's new security agreement which expands the concept of security to include human security, humanitarian assistance, environmental security and regional cooperation), to ensure a safe and secure future for the Pacific in the face of climate change.
According to the prime minister, the Pacific countries are already deeply engaged in the adoption of sectoral measures to give further effect to the SAMOA Pathway in the Pacific region and to serve their Blue Pacific vision. He encouraged the participants to be forward looking in the line with the new Pacific 2050 vision and let them focus on shaping resilient development and low-carbon futures served by sustainable energy and transport sectors.
With the theme of Sustainable Energy and Transport Services for the Blue Pacific, the 4th Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers meeting will end on Thursday.
