4th Global Council for Political Renewal Meeting Concludes in Cape Town

The 4th annual meeting of the Global Council for Political Renewal (GCPR) concluded successfully in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together Prime Ministers and Deputy Prime Ministers, Speakers, Political Party Leaders, Ministers, Politicians, Ambassadors, Academics and Civil Society Leaders.

Participants focused on a range of pressing global issues including politics, human rights and humanitarian relief, environmental concerns, equitable development, and global peace.

Member of Parliament, Hon. Professor Biman Prasad represented the Fijian Parliament in the Leaders’ Session, where he addressed key themes such as democracy, economic development in small island states, and the future of multilateralism.

Hon. Prasad highlighted that in a time of deep global uncertainty, small states in the Blue Pacific face growing insecurity, fiscal instability, and intensifying climate impacts. He noted that cooperative multilateralism is under strain, emphasising the need for international systems to evolve to better reflect the realities and vulnerabilities of small island developing states.

He reaffirmed that the Blue Pacific will not remain a passive spectator in the shifting global order. The region is united in safeguarding its sovereignty, strengthening democratic institutions, and advancing the wellbeing of its people. He added that the declaration of the Blue Pacific as an Ocean of Peace, led by Fiji’s Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, demonstrates the region’s commitment to international law, stability and regional unity.

Hon. Prasad called on global partners to support increased access to climate finance, concessional funding for infrastructure, and reforms to the international financial system that recognise the unique circumstances of small states. He further urged renewed commitment to a rules‑based international system that is fair and equitable for all countries.

He reaffirmed that the Pacific Ocean is our home and the Blue Pacific is our future, stressing that the region will continue to advocate for stability, fairness, and a multilateral system where small states are heard, respected, and supported.

Hon. Prasad also encouraged global leaders to support the Pacific’s efforts to establish a resilient Pacific Resilience Facility.

“I urge you all to come and see what the frontlines of climate change look like as the Pacific prepares to host the pre‑COP31 later this year. We look to you to support efforts to fundamentally transform the international financial system so that small states can have guaranteed access to large‑scale concessional financing to both protect and rebuild critical infrastructure,” he said.

The Fiji delegation included Hon. Professor Biman Prasad and the Manager Inter‑Parliamentary Relations & Protocol Mr Senitieli Wainiu.