A key session at the Peoples Forum on Monday discussed the barriers and challenges that are faced by member states of the Commonwealth who are at the forefront of the Climate crisis in regard to Climate finance.

Presenters in the panel discussion talked about the reality of the situation – we have wasted time in the past to take collective action and still are to this day. When it comes to Climate Change and what science tells us about what is most important, it is that we have wasted precious time as well as so much money on things that are making the problem worse. How? Panelists stated a very big goal under UNFCC in stabilizing greenhouse gases back in the 1990s. Sadly, too many member states did not take this convention seriously, and significant loss and damage continued. If member states had taken action in the past, there would be no talk of this issue today. 

Presenters also shared frustration towards developed countries that should be paying for the loss and damage of our oceans and lands who are not taking responsibility simply because ‘they are out of fiscal space.’ This is far from the truth given that billions of dollars are invested in fossil fuels every day and that a lot of money is going into subsidies.

Injustice of Climate finance solutions that were discussed first and foremost were to stop investing in the trillions of root causes that are undermining this planet and to use the fiscal space to invest in solutions for our communities and climate vulnerable populations. When we ask for finance, we are not asking for charity. We are calling them to pay their climate debt as developing and vulnerable nations are paying the price for their actions. Other solutions included the exclusion of fossil fuel companies from climate negotiations. We cannot have those that are the problem pretend to be part of the solution.

ATA: CHOGM 2024 – People’s Forum

This side event, held at the Court House in Mulinu’u drew attention to three particular aspects. These being the Indigenous wealth of Knowledge, Indigenous wealth of Resources and the Indigenous wealth of Custodianship.

The session deliberated the criticality of our leadership as custodians of our heritage, people and ocean as well as our land and cultural traditions. These, together with collective responsibility are key to guarantee the sustainability of our heritage in the future as nations under the Commonwealth. Custodianship in regards to leadership provides space for all individuals to safeguard our heritage through our actions.

What then is our role in protecting Indigenous knowledge and resources within our communities? Panelists altogether agreed that the answers and solutions for the challenges faced especially by those that are prone to Climate Change lies within Indigenous wealth and the knowledge systems that have been passed down to us from our elders as these knowledge systems helped us survive for centuries. Our values and Indigenous knowledge provide a sense of community that is crucial for promoting sustainable development.

A member of the panel also talked about the role of young people as stewards; to care and to protect our natural resources, paying attention to the interconnectedness of all of creation and the responsibilities that come with stewardship. Spirituality was also mentioned as an important factor in Indigenous custodianship as they reinforce the idea that all living things are relatives and deserve care as intended by God in the beginning of creation. Collective action and a sense of responsibility are essential so that the fire of Indigenous Wealth does NOT die.

ATA: CHOGM 2024 – Day II – GAPP event – Indigenous People’s Wealth Event.

Present at the exhibition was the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Hon Patricia Scotland KC who gave opening remarks regarding the essence of photography as a visual medium to promote and showcase the beauty of our islands as well as the challenges communities continue to face on a daily basis as a result of Climate Change.

The event took place at the Museum of Sāmoa in Malifa where many national delegates attended in support and recognition of the work of photographers around the Pacific. Images paint a thousand words and while those behind the lenses captured the loss and destruction, sea level rise, marine pollution and the drastic changes in weather patterns, their images also conveyed hope and demonstrated our resilience in the midst of these challenges.  The art of photography tells and narrates our stories to the world; the past, present and future of our islands.

Through photography, Pacific people can protest and advocate for Climate justice. “These photographs and their creators come as authentic voices, speaking to our shared global challenge, offering powerful and unique insight, vision and critique, coming in parts sombre, poignant celebratory and defiant. These are voices and vision we need.” – Professor Damon Sālesa, the Vice Chancellor of Auckland University of Technology.

ATA: CHOGM 2024 – The Art Show.

The Youth Forum sessions commenced today at the EFKS Youth Hall at Mulinu’u. The Forum began with a breathtaking cultural performance led by Miss Pacific Islands, Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke and Miss Sāmoa, Litara Ieremia Allan advocating through dance and music the urgency of our fight and voice as youth of the Commonwealth in safeguarding and protecting our oceans and lands.

Opening remarks and presentations reemphasized youth empowerment and gender equality as core values in this meeting and the need to meet the youth where they are, recognizing the things that make us different and uplifting the youth where they should be – on the decision-making table.

Long term goals that were shared included a call to increase youth engagement not just as participants but as decision makers and creators within government sectors as the youth are the leaders of today and not tomorrow, ensuring our region is safe in every sense. Using politics as a tool for transformation as well as educating young people more about human rights and introducing them to the basics of democracy early on are effective approaches to guarantee youth participation. 

ATA: Youth Forum Opening at EFKS Hall Sogi. The Commonwealth.