dailynewsnblog
June 26, 2024 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, accompanied by Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston—Richmond East, met with Fijian community leaders and discussed shared priorities such as gender equality, climate action and sustainable development.
In line with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, important strides have been made towards establishing Canada’s first mission to Fiji. Canada now has a second resident diplomat in Suva as Canada’s first Head of Cooperation in the region to strengthen development cooperation with Pacific Island Countries.
The Minister also highlighted international development support projects already operating in the region, including the following:
- The Kiwa Initiative, a multi-donor project administered by the Agence française de développement supporting communities in the Pacific Islands Countries that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, to which Canada is contributing $16 million (including a recent $6 million top-up).
- Strengthening Small-Scale Fisheries in the Pacific Islands, a project that aims to increase the resilience and adaptability of fishermen and fisherwomen to the climate changes affecting their livelihoods and food security, valued at $2 million and administered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
- Reducing COVID-19-Related Food Insecurity in the Pacific Islands, a project valued at $3.65 million and administered by FAO.
