Fiji PM receives Champions of the Earth award

New Delhi, Dec 11 : Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has been awarded the UN’s highest environmental honour in the Policy Leadership category for his global climate action work and his commitment to climate-responsive national development.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) annually recognises outstanding leaders from government, civil society and the private sector for the Champions of the Earth award.
This year’s awards, announced virtually on Thursday, recognise six laureates in the categories of Lifetime Achievement, Inspiration and Action, Policy Leadership, Entrepreneurial Vision and Science and Innovation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were jointly awarded this environmental honour in October 2018 for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of cooperation on environmental action.
Congratulating this year’s laureates, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: “In the middle of a global pandemic, with societies struggling, economies stretched to their limits and an escalating biodiversity and climate crisis, we need to act boldly and urgently to repair our relationship with nature and take the path of sustainable development.
“Each year, the UN honours these environmental champions for their leadership and vision. Their efforts confront the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.”