The Regional Pacific NDC Hub recently concluded its highly successful Annual Focal Point Meeting, which took place from August 30th to September 1st, 2023, in Nadi, Fiji. Themed "A Climate Resilient Pacific: NDC Targets and the Way Forward," the event brought together climate focal points, implementing partners, donors, and media representatives to discuss and strategize on advancing climate resilience in the Pacific.
The meeting, held against the backdrop of escalating climate challenges, achieved significant milestones in line with the NDC Hub's Long-Term Strategy 2023, focusing on improving NDC planning, strengthening enabling environments, accelerating NDC actions, and enhancing transparency in climate action across the Pacific Island Countries (PICs).
Participants engaged in rigorous discussions, with a spotlight on their countries' progress towards NDC objectives and identifying pathways for future success. These discussions led to a deeper understanding of the Pacific's commitment to NDCs and the Paris Agreement.
"The discussions at the meeting provided a valuable platform for us to share experiences and insights. We left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to take concrete actions to protect our Pacific home." Regional Pacific NDC Hub, Steering Committee Chair, and Division Manager of PNG’s Climate Change and Development Authority, Debra Sungi
In recognition of the pivotal role of media in advancing climate action, a dedicated media dialogue session was held. This session emphasized the importance of media in bridging the gap between government policies and community action.
NO ‘Us Vs Them’! We’re journalists not activists, help us to help you! Let us into the room! Keep it real, tell us the reality! ABC Fiji reporter Lice Movono summarised the media teams feedback to the Pacific Countries’ Focal Points from the Climate Change Divisions of 14 countries.
Proudly hosted by Fiji, the Focal Point Meeting and Media Dialogue served as a pivotal platform for Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to strengthen their commitments to slow down climate change in line with their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by PICs, this event fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of innovative solutions to address the pressing climate crisis.
"The success of this year's Focal Point Meeting is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our partners and the dedication of the Pacific Island Countries to address climate challenges. Together, we are making significant strides towards a more climate-resilient future." Iris Cordelia Rotzoll – Regional Pacific NDC Hub Project Manager
Invited by the Regional Pacific NDC Hub a Pacific owned initiative funded by the Governments of Germany, Australia, New Zealand and the European Union, 14 countries (Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) came together. Renowned experts and leaders in the field of climate change, government officials, members of the private sector and civil society converged sharing insights, strategies, and best practices. Their knowledge and experiences enriched the discussions and made valuable contributions to crafting actionable solutions.
