World Bank and Fiji collaborate to create a more sustainable and resilient future, fostering social protection and economic growth in the face of climate challenges in Fiji
The World Bank Group’s Executive Director for Southeast Asia, Wempi Saputra, held a productive meeting with Fiji’s Minister for Lands and acting Minister for Health, Filimoni Vosarogo in Suva Tuesday, to discuss critical initiatives aimed at strengthening Fiji’s resilience to climate-related disasters and bolstering social protection measures.
Saputra highlighted the forthcoming completion of a comprehensive toolkit for crisis response, scheduled for October, which will equip Fiji to navigate disaster scenarios given its vulnerability to climate-related calamities.
“A vital aspect of the toolkit is debt reform, enabling strategic resource redirection, including investments in sustainable infrastructure projects, without adding additional debt,” said Saputra.
“The IDA – World Bank Group also aims to introduce the Catastrophic DDO (Default Drawdown Option) insurance to facilitate financing redirection during crises and support capacity-building efforts in Fiji,” adds the Executive Director.
“Emphasis will be placed on empowering women and young people, offering quality education, and creating well-paying jobs,” he said.
The challenges of migration were discussed, and the potential benefits of remittances and ensuring the well-being of migrant workers were recognized as crucial elements.
This collaborative effort between the World Bank Group and Fiji seeks to address health policies’ complexity and promote socio-economic well-being across the country.
“Together, we aim to create a more sustainable and resilient future, fostering social protection and economic growth in the face of climate challenges,” he said.
Vosarogo, conversely, commended the World Bank’s unwavering support, stating, “I want to send our gratitude to the World Bank and particularly your predecessors who have in the past spoken out on our behalf very well to the World Bank.”
He acknowledged the pivotal role played by Dr Wee, describing him as “the main guy who’s like the conduit between our requests, our policy statements to those ultimately who make decisions.”
The Acting Minister emphasized the significance of the World Bank’s assistance during the pandemic, which struck Fiji unexpectedly and placed immense strain on the nation’s healthcare and financial systems.
“When that emergency response came from World Bank, it alleviated and helped the Ministry for Health absorb the pressure that took its toll on our health and medical services,” said Vosarogo.
The partnership with the World Bank has supported the health sector and enabled Fiji to address infrastructure needs.
Vosarogo also shared the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources’ efforts to identify suitable land for building a new hospital and expressed gratitude for the assistance rendered by the World Bank’s ongoing infrastructure assessment project.
The Acting Minister for Health expressed eagerness to collaborate further with the World Bank under the leadership of the incoming president, and he looks forward to achieving shared goals and visions in the coming months.
The partnership between Fiji and the World Bank remains robust and continues to strengthen in various areas, reinforcing Fiji’s commitment to fostering the nation’s healthcare, infrastructure, and social development.
This story was originally published at Fiji Govt on 19 July 2023, reposted via PACNEWS.
