Government officials from Vanuatu have made significant strides in preparation for the upcoming 62nd session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Subsidiary Bodies (UNFCCC SB62) in June and the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) scheduled for this November in Brazil. From May 13 to 15, 2025, Port Vila hosted a three-day national climate change negotiations training initiative aimed at enhancing the skills of delegates attending the pivotal COP meetings.
Acting Director of Climate Change for Vanuatu, Nelson Kalo, addressed participants with a compelling message emphasizing the importance of their role in advocating for vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate injustice. Kalo urged delegates to approach their negotiations with boldness and unwavering commitment, underscoring that this training is not merely instructional but a pivotal moment to establish Vanuatu’s stance and objectives at COP30.
As a nation vulnerable to climate-related disasters, Vanuatu continues to assert its leadership in the region. The training sessions aimed to equip both emerging and seasoned negotiators with essential tools to navigate multilateral climate processes. Participants engaged in foundational sessions focusing on past outcomes from COP29, while addressing critical agenda items including climate finance, global adaptation goals, and the roadmap addressing loss and damage.
Interactive elements such as group exercises and drafting national positions allowed attendees to immerse themselves in real-time advocacy efforts, leading to collaborative strategies for Vanuatu’s positioning at SB62. The strengthened delegation is poised to enter negotiations with clarity and a united purpose, advocating for tangible progress on climate finance and justice.
Reflecting on Vanuatu’s enduring commitment to climate action, former UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Christiana Figueres, praised the nation’s leadership in climate negotiations and the heavy responsibility borne by the current generation of negotiators. This sentiment reinforces the critical nature of these discussions, particularly as the world anticipates COP30, with a pressing need for substantial and actionable climate commitments.
As anticipation builds for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Vanuatu’s dedicated efforts express hope that regional collaboration and advocacy will lead to significant advancements in global climate initiatives, ultimately fostering a sustainable future for the nation and its vulnerable communities. The need for consistent action and accountability from larger nations remains at the forefront of Vanuatu’s mission, reflecting a commitment to safeguard the future of its people and environment.
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