31st October, 2018 In efforts to strengthen the Pacific’s engagement at the upcoming UNFCCC COP24 – the IMPACT Pacific SIDS Climate Change Ministers and Negotiators COP24 Preparatory Meeting and Training with Climate Analytics is underway in Nadi, Fiji from October 31st to 3rd November, 2018.
Minister of Defense and National Security Hon. Ratu Inoke Kubuabola rallies leaders of the region further underlining the latest report from IPCC. “The responsibility rests upon us all to ensure that we play an aggressive part enforcing the necessary actions to avoid the dangerous scenarios predicted in the report.” He cautioned all to take heed in the report as inaction can be costly “We must fundamentally change the nature of society in the next decade or face irreversible consequences.”
Dr Bill Hare, CEO and Senior Scientist of Climate Analytics also spoke to the urgency of direction in which the Pacific moving forward with the IPCC report nipping at its heels. He stated that the COP24 one month away from now should propel “a process forward to 2020 that creates a global ‘moment in time’ where many come forward with increased ambition.”
The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is a coalition of Small Island and low-lying coastal countries which functions primarily as an ad hoc lobby and negotiating voice for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the United Nations systems. The Pacific region is represented as such to the UNFCCC. The meetings this week will help prepare the Pacific Islands, strong engagement by the Pacific SIDS at COP24 is crucial in ensuring the Pacific voices and priorities are being heard and are reflected in the outcomes at Katowice.
The COP24 Preparatory Meeting and Training being convened by SPREP in partnership with Climate Analytics will provide Ministers and negotiators with a forum to prepare for COP24. The meeting is part of the IMPACT project and builds on previous meetings held under IMPACT and its predecessor project.
SPREP’s Director of Climate Change Resilience Ms. Tagaloa Cooper- Halo stated the 25 years in which SPREP has operated in the Pacific which reflects the length of the journey, it is evident that the Pacific has developed in climate change negotiations and issues pertaining to climate change. “We take our lead from you as the experts in your national positions and priorities and the One Council of the Regional Organizations of the Pacific-Plus team stand ready to support you.”
Tonga’s representatives to the Impact Pacific SIDS Climate COP 24 Preparatory Meeting and Training in Nadi, Fiji are Mr. Sione Fulivai, Ms. Losana Latu, Ms. ‘Ana Fekau and Ms. Elizabeth ‘Akau’ola from the Department of Climate Change of MEIDECC.
ENDS
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