As part of the country’s mandated preparations for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) , the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reconvened a preparatory workshop with stakeholders ahead of the main global UNFCCC COP31 meeting.
The consultation brought together representatives from government ministries , the private sector , non-government organisations , communities , and youth groups to help strengthen Samoa’s negotiating priorities. It also provided an opportunity for participants to better understand the UNFCCC COP process , why Samoa’s participation is important , and how the process supports climate-resilient initiatives for Samoa.
The programme was welcomed by the MNRE Chief Executive Officer Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena and officially opened with a keynote address from the Associate Minister of the MNRE, Afioga Taufua Edmund Taufua.
A series of presentations were delivered to participants by the MNRE on the climate change landscape of Samoa, including highlights of the Climate Change Response Bill . The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) , Tofilau Seve Esekia Soloi, presented a summary of the historic International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on climate change, and the collective effort of governments , communities, youth, and civil society working together. Apulu Isaia Lautasi presented on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) on the history of the UNFCCC COP negotiations and Samoa’s engagement as a party to the Convention and the Paris Agreement .
To give more insights into this process, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) were present to share what it looks like at the regional level and their role as the secretariat in supporting individual countries across the Pacific . This was presented by Mr Tim Breese. Following this, Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Climate Change Lead Negotiator Galumalemana Anne Rasmussen shared further insight into how small island developing states coordinate and advocate for shared priorities in international climate negotiations as the formal negotiating bloc for small island developing states, including Samoa .
The afternoon session focused on collaborative breakout discussions , where participants worked together to provide their perspectives on Samoa’s draft national priorities and recommend areas for further strengthening to ensure the country’s negotiating positions reflect diverse national perspectives ahead of COP31.
Through meaningful dialogue and collective expertise, the National Pre-COP31 Workshop reinforced Samoa’s commitment to inclusive climate action and ensured the country’s voice remains strong, united , and well-informed in international climate negotiations.
The Ministry acknowledges the New Zealand Government through their Climate Finance Partnership Fund for making this workshop possible.