COP27: Platform will boost Pacific presence at UN climate conference

A platform has been dedicated to bolster the Pacific leadership at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties - COP27.

Known as the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion, the Fono or council aims to faciliate talanoa, or conversation, and knowledge-sharing on issues important to the Pacific, especially advocacy for ambitious climate action and the need for financing.

More than 70 side events will be hosted at the Pavilion, providing a platform for Pacific people to tell their stories.

Another space, the Pacific Delegation Office, has been set up for hosting meetings with partners and strategising negotiation approaches.

New Zealand Climate Change Ambassador Kay Harrison said the platforms are a key part of ensuring the Pacific's voice is heard and considered.

The two platforms are part of a Pacific partnership with New Zealand managed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.

Meanwhile, Tonga Meteorological Services deputy director Laitia Fifita said his department is attending the conference to share data on Tonga's climate, which has seen the appearance of four devastating cyclones over the last decade.

"Not only is our director attending this meeting but also the head of Government, and the King and Queen are also attending.

So it's a nationwide approach, taking relevant issues about the impacts of climate change on small island developing states including Tonga."

COP27 kicks off this weekend in Sham El Sheikh, Egypt with an estimated 45,000 people expected to attend.

However, climate experts are not holding their breath for major breakthroughs at the annual conference, with some concerns rich countries will be missing in action.