COP23: Fiji’s Historic Presidency and Key Achievements
In 2017, COP23 marked a pivotal moment in climate diplomacy as Fiji became the first Small Island Developing State (SIDS) to preside over a UN Climate Change Conference. Fiji’s presidency brought the unique perspective of vulnerable nations to the forefront, emphasizing the urgent need for ambitious climate action to safeguard communities most at risk from climate impacts.
Key achievements and themes from COP23 included:
- Talanoa Dialogue: Fiji introduced the Talanoa Dialogue, an inclusive and participatory process rooted in Pacific traditions, designed to foster trust and transparency in climate negotiations. This dialogue encouraged countries and non-state actors to share experiences and best practices, aiming to raise ambition and align national efforts with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target.
- Ocean Pathway Partnership: Recognizing the critical connection between oceans and climate, Fiji launched the Ocean Pathway Partnership to integrate ocean health into the UNFCCC process and climate finance mechanisms. This initiative sought to ensure that ocean-based adaptation and mitigation received due attention and funding.
- Gender Action Plan: COP23 finalized the first-ever Gender Action Plan, promoting women’s participation in climate processes and supporting gender-responsive climate policies at all levels.
- Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform: This platform was established to amplify the voices of indigenous peoples and local communities, enabling them to share traditional knowledge and resilience strategies.
- Regional Pacific NDC Hub: Fiji facilitated the creation of a hub in Suva to support Pacific nations in implementing and enhancing their climate commitments (NDCs).
Fiji’s leadership at COP23 set a tone of inclusivity, urgency, and a focus on the needs of the most vulnerable-principles that would echo in subsequent climate summits.
COP28: Major Outcomes from Dubai
Held in Dubai in 2023, COP28 was a watershed moment for global climate action, building on the momentum from previous conferences and responding to the evolving climate crisis.
Key outcomes from COP28 included:
- First Global Stocktake: COP28 concluded the inaugural Global Stocktake, a comprehensive assessment of global progress toward the Paris Agreement goals. The “UAE Consensus” called for:
- Transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly, and equitable manner, with the aim of achieving net zero by 2050.
- Tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements globally by 2030.
- Accelerating reductions in non-CO₂ emissions, particularly methane.
- Fossil Fuel Commitments: For the first time, a COP outcome explicitly called for transitioning away from fossil fuels, signaling a global shift toward clean energy and marking a significant step in climate negotiations.
- Climate Finance Pledges: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) received record pledges totaling $12.8 billion from 31 countries, surpassing previous funding cycles. These funds are critical for supporting climate action and resilience in developing nations.
- Loss and Damage Fund: COP28 operationalized the Loss and Damage Fund to assist countries most vulnerable to climate impacts. Initial pledges reached around $700 million, with the fund set to be managed by a new, independent secretariat and governed by a dedicated board.
- Santiago Network: The conference finalized the host for the Santiago Network, which will provide technical assistance to countries facing loss and damage from climate change.
- Adaptation and Just Transition: The outcomes emphasized the need for a just and equitable transition, taking into account differing national circumstances and ensuring vulnerable communities are not left behind.
Building on COP23: How Fiji’s Legacy Shaped COP28
The foundation laid at COP23, especially through Fiji’s leadership, was evident in the tone, goals, and achievements of COP28:
- Talanoa Spirit and Global Stocktake: The Talanoa Dialogue’s emphasis on inclusivity, transparency, and shared storytelling directly influenced the design and conduct of the Global Stocktake at COP28. The participatory approach fostered at COP23 helped ensure that the stocktake was not just a technical exercise but a collective moment for raising ambition and accountability.
- Ocean and Vulnerable Nations: Fiji’s Ocean Pathway initiative helped elevate the importance of oceans in climate negotiations, a theme that continued at COP28 as countries recognized the interconnectedness of ocean health and climate resilience. The persistent focus on the needs of SIDS and other vulnerable nations at COP23 paved the way for the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP28, finally delivering on years of advocacy for dedicated support to those most affected by climate change.
- Inclusivity and Equity: COP23’s establishment of platforms for gender, indigenous peoples, and local communities set a precedent for ensuring that climate action is equitable and just. COP28’s outcomes reflected these values, with explicit calls for a just transition and recognition of diverse national circumstances.
Looking Ahead: COP29 and the Ongoing Role of Pacific Island Nations
As the world prepares for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, expectations are high for further progress on climate finance, ambition, and implementation. Key issues on the agenda include setting a new collective climate finance goal and ensuring that national climate plans (NDCs) are aligned with the 1.5°C target.
Pacific Island nations, led by Fiji’s example at COP23, continue to play a vital role in climate diplomacy. Their advocacy for ambitious action, climate justice, and support for the most vulnerable remains central to global negotiations. The legacy of the Talanoa Dialogue and the ocean pathway ensures that the voices of those on the frontlines of climate change are heard and that their priorities shape the future of international climate action.
Conclusion
In summary: COP28 built directly on the groundwork of COP23, translating the inclusive, ambitious, and justice-focused spirit of Fiji’s presidency into concrete outcomes on fossil fuels, finance, and support for vulnerable nations. As the world moves toward COP29, the ongoing leadership of Pacific Island nations will be crucial in driving ambition, accountability, and equity in the global response to climate change.