Update: 6:05PM MINISTER for Local Government, Housing, Urban Development and Environment Samuela Saumatua is heading Fiji's delegation to the 27th United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing Council/Global Ministerial Forum in Nairobi, Kenya.
The meeting focuses on the follow up on the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio +20) titled - The Future We Want - and the endorsement of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly, which includes provisions for strengthening and upgrading UNEP and measures for an enhanced institutional framework for sustainable development.
The theme for this meeting is Rio+20: From Outcome to Implementation.
A government statement released today stated that Fiji's presence at this meet was intended to strengthen the government's own capacity and resources when responding to climate change issues.
"As well, the overall thrust of this policy direction is to strengthen the UNEP's co-ordination mandate within the UN system and also with member countries," it stated.
Mr Saumatua is accompanied by the Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics permanent secretary Pita Wise, Environment Ministry director Jope Davetanivalu and acting chief economic planning officer, Strategic Planning Office, Paula Cirikiyasawa.