Through the Global Negotiations Support initiative and the Global Climate Change Policy Fellowship programme, SLYCAN Trust supports negotiators from the Global South in their engagement with the UNFCCC and other multilateral processes. Gabriel Mara is a young negotiator from Fiji who is a SLYCAN Trust fellow since 2024. These are his reflections from participating in the Bonn Climate Change Conference 2024 (SB60).

Looking back at the mid-year climate meetings (SB60) or Mini-COP, I am taken aback by the passion, determination, and strength displayed throughout these two and half weeks of discussing, advocating, pushing, and coming together for our common future.

Reflecting on my own experience, I feel hope, optimism, and belief in our efforts. While there may always be room for improvement, the presence of each individual, including representatives from almost 200 Parties, indicates that there is a willingness to act for our shared home.

As a Pacific Islander and a Fijian negotiator, I have always held a deep connection with the natural world around me and the life bustling in it, which at times becomes the fuel needed to keep going during lengthened days of exhaustion and testing times.

Recently, I was honoured and humbled to step into the role of the G77 and China Coordinator for the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) agenda item. As I appreciate this opportunity and the support from my Delegation, I understand the great responsibility accompanying the role. It also presents a unique chance to advocate for the best interests of 134 sovereign nations, fostering a harmonised and concerted effort through unity towards the common good of people and the planet.

Admittedly, taking on the reins was unexpected and daunting when considering the interests involved, the large membership, and the obligations to the Group. Regardless, it was clear that a joint and coordinated front was vital for any progress, which also may positively affect related adaptation items. And so from this, began my tenure on Matters Related to National Adaptation Plans.

Progressing and Implementing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) In our discussions on NAPs, reflections were made on the progress as well as the challenges ahead. Key issues included discussions on private sector involvement, recognising the special needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), gender-sensitive approaches, and the contributions of Indigenous Peoples.

The G77 and China maintained good unity and a spirit of cooperation with partners, completing the agenda item with four conclusion paragraphs, ensuring that elements vital to the Group for the assessment will be present in the discussions at the 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. We worked with our partners to reach a mutual landing zone ahead of COP30 through an informal note that includes all elements that have been referenced in conclusions via a footnote.

The Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) emphasised the importance of assessing progress in formulating and implementing NAPs and agreed to continue this consideration at future sessions. This ongoing assessment ensures that our adaptation strategies remain relevant and effective.

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Looking beyond SB60

I have not taken it lightly to assume the coordination role of an adaptation item especially hailing from Fiji and the Pacific, where part of daily life is to live with and continually adapt to climate impacts, sudden changes, and natural events that bring the entire country to a halt. These calamities have become increasingly unpredictable and too intense to recover fully from, let alone quickly recover from before the next occurrence. We become caught in a constant cycle leading to more and more irreplaceable losses.

These are but the surface of why our collective efforts are vital for enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience, and reducing vulnerabilities to climate change. The negotiations at SB60 have made it clear that proactive steps are needed for balanced representation, leveraging traditional knowledge, securing the requisite resources, and fostering international collaboration to make a sustainable and resilient future possible.

We can and must overcome the challenges of the triple planetary crisis and protect our communities and environment leading to a future that is just and sustainable for all.

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