Climate change negotiation training in Kiribati

Earlier this month, a three-day training program “Navigating International Climate Negotiations'' was completed in Kiribati. This training which targeted aspiring negotiators who wish to engage in effective and meaningful climate change negotiations on behalf of Kiribati, was co-organized by Australia Pacific Climate Alumni Network (APCAN) Kiribati and the Office of Te Beretitenti (OB) in Bairiki, Kiribati.

The objectives of the training program were to provide aspiring negotiators with an understanding of the science, policy, and legal aspects of climate change negotiations; create awareness of the UNFCCC negotiation process, develop strategies and effective communication skills to engage in impactful negotiations and strengthen participants' capacity to analyze texts and identify issues, opportunities, and challenges in climate change negotiations. 

The training also provided participants with practical experience through simulations and case studies and  helped to foster a network of climate negotiators in Kiribati for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration in future climate change negotiations. 

Participants of the training included 13 members of the Kiribati National Expert Group (KNEG) which consists of government officials, representatives from NGOs and CSOs, and private sector. The participants were thrilled to be part of the training recognizing the importance of being able to navigate and influence climate change negotiations at national and international levels.

“This is such a perfect training we've been waiting for and we are very fortunate to participate in it,” said Baniti Semilota, Founder of Tungaru Youth Action. “It was a great opportunity given our previous COP experience and struggles encountered."

The training was ably facilitated by Mr. Tearinaki Tanielu and Mr. Choi Yeeting, with funding support from the Australia Pacific Climate Partnership through APCAN