My experience as an International Climate Youth Delegate at the SB58 by CHEC Governing Board Member Nicc Moeno
Talofa lava,
During my time in Samoa, I had the privilege of listening to my grandfather’s captivating stories about his childhood in the village. His face would light up with joy as he shared anecdotes of mischievous adventures he and his friends embarked upon. Filled with nostalgia, I asked him about the location of where these events took place. However, his response was accompanied by a profound sadness, as he pointed towards the vast expanse of the ocean. It became evident that the place where his cherished memories were born had been swallowed by the relentless tides, leaving nothing tangible for him to show me.
This touching anecdote resonated deeply with me when I had the opportunity to address the COP28 President designate. In highlighting the realities faced by Samoa, I shared this story as a reminder of the impact climate change has on the Pacific region. Living in this part of the world makes it impossible to ignore the tangible and alarming consequences of climate change. The narrative of my grandfather’s lost memories serves as a powerful testament to the undeniable truth: climate change is real, and its effects cannot be concealed when you live in the Pacific.
I arrived in Bonn, Germany on the 4th June late afternoon where I had a brief idea of what to expect at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Subsidiary Body meeting #58 (SB58). The atmosphere was electric as delegates from all around the world would participate in setting the scenes for the COP28. On the 5th June, I was introduced to YOUNGO (youth NGO, the official youth constituency of the UNFCCC). We were briefed on how YOUNGO operates under the UNFCCC and how we could contribute in the SBs. I was instantly involved with the YOUNGO working group contact points and immediately went to work. I met with the COP28 presidency, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui and H.E. Razan Al Mubarak and shared an anecdote about my grandfather on the realities of climate change in Samoa.
The IYCD meeting the COP28 President designate, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber
I am fortunate to be selected as one of the very lucky 100 individuals to be fully funded for the International Youth Climate Delegate program (IYCDP). This includes participation in the SB58, COP28 and other climate conferences organised by the UNFCCC. The nature of this opportunity was very competitive as we were told over 11,000 applications were received. I hope that this opportunity will inspire other Pacific youth to participate in climate action at the international level and join youth from all around the world in shaping the future we desire.
The delegates, YOUNGO focal points and the Youth Climate Champions
The SB is an annual event that is hosted in Bonn, Germany by the UNFCCC. The objective of the SB is to bring parties, organisations and stakeholders together to discuss the arrangement of funding activities to advert, minimize and address the loss & damage associated with the adverse impacts of climate change. In simple terms, it brings everyone together to talk about climate change and how we should address it. This sets the scene for what COP would look like towards the end of the year. This year is the 58th meeting, hence the name SB58. It will be the 28th year of COP, hence COP28.
What did I do at SB58?
My priority was to focus on the Global Stock Take (GST) which is a historic moment as it will be the first cycle that will show the world where we are currently with achieving the Paris agreement. The GST has four topics; Mitigation & response measures, Adaptation and Loss & Damage, Means of implementation and Integrated & Holistic approaches. This aligns with my expertise where I contributed to the formulation of interventions such as the plenaries and the technical round table discussions. I held my first ever press conference, highlighting the updates of the GST on behalf of YOUNGO.
YOUNGO press conference update
Meeting and reconnecting with members of the Samoan delegation was an incredible experience. It is usually difficult to meet them in my own country, so being able to have meaningful conversations with them easily was something I'll never forget. In fact, I was even invited by the Samoan delegation to take part in the intervention at the Sharm el Sheikh mitigation ambition & implementation work programme negotiations on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
During the negotiation, Samoa delivered a powerful statement that received support from several countries. They talked about the importance of the mitigation work programme, also highlighted the challenges that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face when deploying renewable energy projects and finances. This showed the urgent need for support and cooperation to help SIDS overcome these unique challenges and achieve sustainable development.
I attended several AOSIS coordination meetings and met several of the party delegates and lead negotiators. This insight allowed me to see how the AOSIS were able to work together strategically in preparation of the negotiations. I supported my country delegation in numerous discussions and was able to have some influence into some of the decisions being made. This kind of access and influence is something I will never forget and knowing I had a small contribution to these decisions is truly an experience.
AOSIS intervention at the Sharm el Sheikh mitigation ambition & implementation work programme negotiations
Seizing an unexpected opportunity, I decided to make my first intervention on behalf of YOUNGO during the AIM negotiations. My intervention was to emphasize the immense importance and value that youth bring to the UNFCCC process. It is crucial for COP28 to actively involve young people in all decision-making processes, ensuring that no one is left behind.
To support this call, several countries expressed their agreement. We also emphasized the need for stronger language regarding human rights and the creation of safer spaces in current and future COPs. Another issue we highlighted was the visa challenges faced by numerous youths, preventing their participation in the SBs. We stressed that this should not be repeated in COP28 or any future COPs.
The experience of representing YOUNGO in this platform, especially considering that just a week prior I was focusing on my Ph.D. studies at the university, stands as a testament to the notion that anything is possible. It also helps to know that other SIDS representatives were also making big moves in these spaces as they were flown in from the Islands.
AIM negotiations where I gave my first intervention on behalf of YOUNGO
During my second involvement with YOUNGO, I had a significant role in crafting an intervention for the open-ended consultations by the incoming COP28 Presidency on the vision & expectations for the conference in Dubai, UAE. The intervention aimed to amplify ambition and foster meaningful youth engagement in the decision-making processes. It was presented by a delegate from Nepal. The primary objective of our intervention was to call for stronger commitments and courageous actions in tackling the urgent challenge of climate change. We emphasized the importance of parties honouring the commitments they made in the Paris Agreement. Our intention was to encourage a collective effort towards addressing climate change and achieving the goals set forth in the agreement.
Intervention for the open-ended consultations by the incoming COP28 Presidency on the vision & expectations for the conference in Dubai, UAE
The inspiring power of youth is truly remarkable. At the SB sessions, there is a tradition where YOUNGO, representing the youth, delivers their intervention during the opening and closing plenaries. In a show of solidarity, we stand behind the speakers, united in our commitment to climate action. This visual display symbolizes the strength we find in our collective numbers. It's not only evident in the plenaries but in all the discussions and negotiations that took place.
YOUNGO opening plenary intervention
Participating in my first SB was a tremendous honour. It provided me with invaluable insights and experiences. Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate COP28, where I will be even more actively engaged in the negotiations and decision-making processes. I am excited to contribute to the global efforts in addressing climate change and make a meaningful impact on the future of our planet.
If there is anything that I learned at the SB58, it is this. Youth have a powerful voice. I saw this when youth called for a transparent process to identify fossil fuel lobbyist when registering to climate conferences, visa inequality attending the SBs and COP, and the call for an equitable fossil fuel phase out. We were able to make a call for action and the UNFCCC got it done!
To all those in the Pacific who aspire to contribute to international climate action, I want to emphasize that you absolutely can! I am living proof of this fact. Currently, there is a lack of representation of Pacific youth within the UNFCCC process. However, this presents an opportunity for you to get involved and bridge this gap. The voices of the Pacific hold immense significance and value in shaping the future we desire. It would be a pleasure for me to connect if you are interested.
What is next?
The next step is to undergo the intense training by Harvard University and the UNFCCC to be better equipprf to negotiate at COP28. I want to use this platform to show that Pacific youth can make an impact. I come from a background in engineering, and this is all new to me. I am stepping out of my comfort zone because climate change knows no boundaries. What we do from now on, depends on us. I hope that my experience and reflection of the SB58 inspires you to join the climate change work.
Thank you and Fa’afetai lava,
Fogamomi Nicc Moeono
