The Regional Pacific Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) held its three-day annual Regional Focal Point Meeting at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, Fiji from 30th August to 1st September.
The aim of the meeting was to review and evaluate the first and second Phase of the NDC Hub project, drawing from the lessons learned in shaping the direction of Phase three of the Project, which was officially launched on the 1st of July 2022; establish the new Steering Committee and Chair for 2022 – 2023 as well as to provide an opportunity for networking and deepening the relationship with partners, stakeholders, and media.
It brought together the Hub's Government counterparts from 14 member Pacific countries, all Donors, Partners, and External Partners - the United National Development Program (UNDP) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), as well as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Partnership.
The NDC Hub Project Manager Iris Cordelia Rotzoll said the Focal Point Meeting "served as
a perfect opportunity for the NDC Hub to share its achievements and successes of the previous phases of work delivered to the countries, whilst also presenting the plans and forecasted activities for Phase 3 which includes new partnerships, projects, workshops, and events."
Focal Points also identified capacity building as critical for the next generation of climate change specialists and officials. A clear pathway was recommended for the development of specialists in the country as well as succession planning. Scholarships, training, or attachment opportunities at the NDC Hub were also suggested.
During the meeting, countries agreed on a path forward in finalizing the current requests to the NDC Hub as well as the process for submitting future requests to the Hub. As a result of this meeting, the NDC Hub is well positioned to shape its future work supporting the Pacific's ambitious climate efforts.
A new Chair and a new Steering Committee for 2022-2023 were also elected during the meeting, which provides excellent strategic direction and oversight for the NDC Hub on the way forward and provides advisory support to the implementation partners on the ground.
An all-female Steering Committee is represented by:
- Debra Sungi Papua New Guinea: Steering Committee Chair; Acting General Manager – MRV & NC Division from Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change
- Joanna Latasi, Tuvalu, Steering Committee Member; Third National Communication Assistant
- Ranjila Singh, Fiji (Host Country) Steering Committee Member; Mitigation Specialist, Climate Change and International Cooperation Division
- Natasha Nakasone, FSM: Steering Committee MemberDeputy Assistant Secretary (Mitigation Unit), Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management
The Pacific Focal Point Meeting took place in person after two years of meeting virtually due to health and travel restrictions over the last two years.