Training prepares participation for COP 27

A WEEK-long negotiation training last week ended successfully preparing, participants from key government agencies for the annual international climate change negotiations; Conference of Parties (COP 27) in Egypt from the 6th to 18th November this year. Hosted by Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the training aimed at equipping PNG participants both technical and political with better understanding of the international climate change negotiations process.The training also enabled them to understand the negotiations history and players, how country positions are formed, documentations used, including treaties, the scientific and political contexts in which COP 27 will take place including current issues that will influence negations agendas. Government agencies participated includes CCDA, National Energy Authority, PNG Forest Authority, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Department of Works and Highways, Office of the State Solicitors, Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Department of Prime Minister and NEC and other key agencies. During the closing, Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, the Honorable Simo Kilepa expressed his contentment on the workshop.“It is interesting to see key agencies of government gather to learn and upscale their capacity to participate in the climate negotiations at the international levels. I am confident that what you and I have learnt from training now prepares PNG well for COP 27. “As we are looking forward to the complex world of negotiations at the international level, it is important to remind ourselves how climate change is affecting our communities back at home and our country’s position must reflect that,” said Kilepa. His expressions were also echoed by Acting Managing Director of CCDA William Lakain. “Having a well-prepared team representing PNG on the fronts of climate negotiations in Egypt is significant for the country. With this training, I am sure we are able to represent PNG well”, said Mr. Lakain. “I thank the Australian Government for the financial support in delivering this workshop and also, acknowledge the GGGI for the partnership in providing the necessary technical support to ensure this training becomes a success”, he added. GGGI Country Representative Mr. Sakiusa Tuisolia expressed that the workshop was fitting for PNG in preparation for the upcoming annual international climate change negotiations.In commending CCDA for initiating this workshop, Mr. Tuisolia said that for PNG to participate wiser and smarter at the annual international climate meeting, it comes down to how prepared the country is. In this regard, he described the training as a crucial one for a well representation of PNG. The training concluded with a high-level simulation exercise for the COP which involved Ministers and Managing Directors of organizations participating.