CLIMATE CHANGE NEGOTIATOR EXPLAINS STRATEGIC PROCESS AT COP28-(30-11-2023)

Dubai, 29 Nov 2023 - In a comprehensive briefing, climate change negotiator, Ambassador Amena Yauvoli shed light on the intricate process at the annual COP meetings for parties to the UN Climate treaty, the UN Framework Convention on Climate .

Acknowledging the complexity of the negotiations, Ambassador Yauvoli reiterated that a good process serves as the precursor to a positive outcome.

"A good process results in a good outcome. The issues have become convoluted, particularly within the G77, where there is an established process that demands our active participation. This is precisely why I left Jakarta early - to ensure our early involvement in this crucial process."

Ambassador Yauvoli outlined the strategic approach adopted by Fiji's technical team in raising concerns within the negotiations.

Finance issues, intricately linked to temperature goals, he explained, have been meticulously stacked within the negotiation framework.

"This COP presents ten additional items on the agenda, and with Cuba currently holding the G77+China presidency, nuances in the process are apparent. It is critical that we, as a united front, champion the cause of Small Island Developing States (SIDs) and prevent further erosion of their special position, especially concerning market access and financing issues."

He stressed the importance of concerted efforts within the corridors of negotiation to navigate these complexities effectively.

"We have strategically organised our concerns within the negotiations, prioritising finance issues intricately linked to our temperature goals. Our strategic priorities are meticulously stacked within the negotiation framework, and it is imperative that we exert concerted effort starting at regional then global level.

The pre-conference negotiations have introduced ten new issues to the formal conference draft agenda which must be agreed by consensus before negotiations start.

"We must remain vigilant on various fronts, from addressing gaps in our efforts identified in the recent global stocktake reports to the imbalance between adaptation and mitigation funds, so we must guard our positions to ensure our interests are addressed in the final outcomes.

"It is our shared responsibility to fortify our stance, advocate for SIDs, and strengthen global commitments to combat climate change.