The Global Development Conference 2024 commenced with great enthusiasm yesterday, attracting over 200 in-person participants and more than 500 virtual attendees for the opening ceremony at The University of the South Pacific’s (USP), Laucala Campus in Suva, Fiji.
With the theme Global Synergies: Climate Resilience Strategies for a Sustainable Tomorrow, the conference brings together experts, researchers, policymakers, civil society organisations, and students from over 100 countries to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The three-day event provides a unique platform for specialists to collaborate with a global community committed to addressing pressing challenges like climate change while exploring solution-driven approaches.
Jointly organised by the Global Development Network (GDN), USP, and the Government of Fiji, the conference seeks to build research capacity, bridge the gap between science and policy, and strengthen collaboration between universities and GDN member countries.
GDN President, Jean-Louis Arcand officially opened the conference, emphasising the critical role of research and collaboration in fostering global synergies aimed at achieving sustainable development.
“Localised research is key for the formation of holistic policies. The Global Development Network is committed to facilitating high-quality, policy-oriented social science research in the Pacific region, and this conference in Fiji will provide an important platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration,” he shared.
“I am pleased to share that in July 2024, the Government of Fiji successfully completed the membership process to join the Global Development Network (GDN) International Assembly, becoming its sixth member country. Together, we will expand the reach of research and knowledge-sharing across the Pacific, ensuring that the region’s unique challenges and opportunities are integral to global development efforts.”
In his opening remarks, USP Director Research, Professor Sushil Kumar highlighted the existential threat posed by climate change to the livelihoods, culture, and way of life of Pacific Islanders.
“Sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation are causing severe floods, coastal inundation, and shoreline erosion, which strike at the heart of our identities, cultures, and livelihoods,” Professor Kumar stated.
He added, “USP has worked tirelessly to ensure Pacific voices are heard, and Pacific solutions are represented in global research.”
Hosting this conference reinforces Fiji’s global leadership in climate resilience and positions the country as a cornerstone for driving the region’s strategic agenda.
The opening day included an engaging plenary session on the Foundations of Climate Resilience, where participants heard from inspiring panelists about their impactful work in their communities and countries.
Panelists discussed distinctions between resilience, adaptation, and mitigation and highlighted overlaps and synergies. They also focused on climate resilience frameworks and applications in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Environmental policy, governance and implementation were also discussed, whereby panelists focused on multi-stakeholder engagement, indigenous knowledge integration, and governance improvements.
The conference received over 750 registered participants from nearly 100 nationalities with 50% of the total participants being women, achieving its goal of gender parity.
During the conference, participants will also have the opportunity to attend various skill-building workshops designed to provide invaluable insights into the challenges, awareness initiatives, actions, and economic implications related to climate change.
The three-day conference will conclude on Thursday, November 28 at USP’s Laucala Campus.
