In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, the University of Fiji joined Airports Fiji Limited (AFL) this morning to support the global call to action under this year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution.”

Mrs. Sainiana Radrodro, Senior Lecturer at the Justice Devendra Pathik School of Law at UniFiji, delivered a compelling keynote address, emphasizing the shared responsibility of corporations, communities, and institutions in promoting sustainable practices.

Mrs. Radrodro commended AFL’s proactive steps toward achieving Fiji’s national target of Net Zero emissions by 2050.

“It is heartwarming to see AFL’s environmental targets promoting green spaces and carbon reduction across its operations,” she stated, applauding AFL’s Carbon Management Policy and environmental initiatives at Fiji’s airports.

Drawing from her experience in law, infrastructure, and international development, Mrs. Radrodro emphasized that legal compliance should be seen as the floor, not the ceiling for environmental responsibility.

“True corporate responsibility demands more,” she stated, urging AFL and other public entities to go beyond legal obligations and lead with bold, moral commitment to sustainability.

She encouraged AFL to consider practical actions such as phasing out single-use plastics in food and retail concessions, adopting eco-friendly procurement policies and using airport signage and digital media for environmental education.

“Airports are not just transport hubs; they are powerful environmental actors,” Mrs. Radrodro said, emphasizing the potential for influence through partnerships with academia, NGOs, and government.

Highlighting the University of Fiji’s own commitment to environmental advocacy, she noted its partnership with the Pacific Recycling Foundation and the launch of the Ecological and Climate Crises Legal Institute (ECCLI), a multidisciplinary hub driving science-law collaboration on sustainability.

“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, it is a threat to ecosystems, marine life, and public health,” she warned, referencing microplastic contamination and the urgent need for global cooperation, including the ongoing UN negotiations for a Global Plastic Pollution Treaty supported by over 200 countries.

She concluded by challenging all sectors to act collectively and be committed to the idea of environmental responsibility.

Public Relations Office