GIZ Haus opens in Fiji

It was a historic occasion for GIZ Pacific when it inaugurated the GIZ Haus -- a shared office space for all GIZ Projects in the Pacific. In the past, the Project offices were in different locations but now this has changed. The GIZ Haus will provide offices for the various GIZ Pacific projects teams – Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change, Management and Conservation of Blue Carbon Ecosystems, and the Regional Nationally Determined Contributions Hub together with the Project Administration Unit. It is located at #67 Knolly St, Suva, Fiji.

Fiji Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Sivendra Michael acknowledged the support of GIZ Pacific in working towards the common goal of a sustainable planet, “Today’s office opening is a celebration of continuous friendships and renewed commitments,” Dr. Michael said. “It goes without saying that GIZ Pacific has continuously stamped it mark as a genuine and meaningful development partner.

Ambassador Prothmann emphasized that the new GIZ office sends a strong signal of Germany’s continued engagement in Fiji and the Pacific Region. He added that the work of GIZ Pacific has been instrumental in implementing programs positively impacting communities. “As we inaugurate the GIZ Haus in Fiji today, let us remember that its walls are not merely steels, bricks and mortar but pillars of cooperation, windows of opportunities to a sustainable future.”

GIZ Philippines and Pacific Islands Country Director Mr. Immanuel Gebhardt expressed his gratitude to political partners and implementing agencies for their support over the years. He shared that the new office would “create synergies and to be more efficient.” Mr. Gebhardt also announced upcoming projects to be implemented from next year under the Pacific portfolio which included Clean Seas, Marine Litter Prevention, and the Blue Economy Project. In 2023, GIZ implemented projects with a total value of 8M euros. With a staff capacity of more than 30 employees, GIZ Pacific is currently providing advisory services to 14 Pacific Island states, and various regional organisations, in the areas of climate change, marine and coastal biodiversity management, and low carbon sea transport.