PM off to Copenhagen

The Prime Minister is joining a late surge of high level pacific representation at Copenhagen next month for the global meeting on Climate Change. Marurai will now be heading the delegation to Denmark for COP15 – the 15th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – in addition to the Minister for the Environment Ngamau Munokoa. The Prime Minister made the commitment to travel to Copenhagen amid growing pressure from the Pacific Islands countries, which are fighting for stronger commitments in the reduction of carbon emissions by developed countries. All seven of the Pacific Small Islands States are now expected to be represented at Leaders level, in addition to the larger states of the Forum. The Prime Minister has also received a special invitation extended to world leaders from the Prime Minister of Denmark. In recent weeks, Marurai had been uncommitted to the conference but wants to maintain a consistency with national and regional priority in the battle against the impacts of Climate Change. The Prime Minister will leave on 12 December in time to be present for the High Level segment where Leaders will be delivering national statements.