6 Nov 2014

Tong of Kiribati nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

3:45 pm on 6 November 2014

Fiji's nomination of Kiribati President, Anote Tong, as a candidate to receive the Nobel Peace Prize has been welcomed by the committee lobbying for Mr Tong.

Anote Tong

Anote Tong Photo: AFP

A letter of support for President Tong was sent to the Tong Nobel Committee on behalf of Fiji's Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama.

It said President Tong's personal commitment to advocating a stronger international response to the challenges of climate change is exemplary and deserving of recognition.

A spokesperson for the Tong Nobel Committee, Phil Glendenning, says the support from Fiji is significant.

"President Tong has for many years been an eloquent and articulate voice about the impact of climate change upon all of the world's community and about the need for there to be some decisive action. Because it is the greatest threat that the world faces to peace and security. This endorsement is further evidence that this is a cause that needs support, and needs world recognition."

Phil Glendenning is encouraging other leaders across the world to similarly come out in support of the issue.