REMARKS: Deputy-Secretary General, Desna Solofa, at Opening Session for the Post COP29 Debrief of the Political Climate Champions

Excellencies, Government Official and distinguished colleagues,

It is a great honour and pleasure to formally welcome you to our Post COP29 Debrief of the Political Climate Champions. Your presence here today and over the next couple of days speaks to the collective commitment to continue our region’s fight to address climate change.

2.    As you are aware, the Political Climate Change Champions was initiated in 2021 and has since gained momentum and continues to enjoy the support of our Leaders given its role in influencing strong outcomes on Pacific priorities through the UNFCCC COP and where relevant through other global platforms.
3.    We acknowledge the generous support from Australia and New Zealand towards the Champions Initiative right from when it was first initiated.

4.    As we gather to collectively reflect on successes and develop strategies to better support our Champions, I want to acknowledge and recognise the immense support from each and everyone of you.

5.    I understand that the support you have provided to our Champions demands more of your time and expertise, especially our national technical advisors, who often have to also manage your respective government engagements while also supporting our Champions with their high-level political advocacy around our PSIDS priorities. Together with our CROP family, you provide the backbone to the Champions Initiative; ensuring there is continuity of our unified high-level messaging in between the different cohort of Champions and across the different thematic areas and political platforms.

6.    You will note from the program in front of you that the morning session is dedicated just for you. I encourage you to use this opportunity to openly share and reflect amongst yourselves before we hear from our Champions later today.

7.    I welcome you all again and wish everyone fruitful discussions over the next couple of days.

8.    Thank you!