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Advancing Niue's climate commitments: a collaborative approach

Despite being the smallest Pacific Island Country, Niue is making significant strides in its commitment to combat climate change through the update of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. A pivotal Validation consultation process with Niue was held last month and brought together stakeholders to review and refine Niue's Draft Updated NDC, marking a crucial step forward in the island's climate action agenda.

Present at the NDC consultation was Niue's Director of Environment, Mr Haden Talagi, who emphasised his country’s dedication to addressing climate challenges. Mr Talagi reiterated that the updated NDC, spanning from 2020 to 2030, reflects a focused approach to action, mitigation, and adaptation tailored to Niue's unique circumstances. This commitment to regular review and enhancement of climate strategies underscores Niue's proactive stance in combating the impacts of climate change.

Another notable participant, Ms Catherine Papani, CEO of the Niue Chamber of Commerce, emphasised that the NDCs were an important process for Niue’s dedication to addressing climate change. “This consultation with the NDC Hub and Niue stakeholders has been invaluable for the work of the Niue Chamber of Commerce. It is an opportunity for us to revisit and align our priorities in climate change action and better understand Niue’s national priorities for its NDC, and how we can take those on board and include them in our policies and strategies for the private sector in Niue.”

The NDC Hub, as part of its partnership with the Pacific Community, undertook the consultative process in Niue aimed at gathering feedback from key stakeholders. This inclusive approach ensures that the country’s climate commitments are reflective of diverse perspectives and informed by local insights, strengthening ownership and buy-in from all sectors of society.

Mr Avi Rubin, Vice President of the Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) trust said, “I found this consultation to be interesting because I am a member of the NOW trust and involved in the work on the OCC mechanism. I can see this work reflected in the updated NDC, particularly  regarding the new components on oceans, marine, and coastal ecosystems.”

Mr Rubin was heavily involved in the setting up of the Ocean Conservation Contribution (OCC) mechanisms, a new and emerging method of ocean conservation managed by local communities and through external investments into the safeguarding and protection of marine protected areas for future current and future generations. Mr Rubin said, “The goal is to make sure our oceans stay healthy and resilient for the future. As a Niuean and business owner, I am aware of the issues we face with power supply and believe that we should focus more on renewable energy. This consultation has also helped me to better understand the circumstances at the national level, especially with regard to the high cost of fuel.”

Looking ahead, the finalisation and submission of Niue's updated NDC to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) later this year will mark a significant milestone in the island's climate journey. By leveraging collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and a forward-thinking approach, Niue is poised to reinforce its commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development on the global stage.

Ms Coral Pasisi, Director of the Climate Change and Sustainability Programme at the Pacific Community (SPC), underscored the importance of this endeavour within the framework of the Paris Agreement :  “Niue, like many nations, is striving to uphold the global target of limiting temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius, with an aspirational aim of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The significance of having measurable goals and tangible commitments by countries to achieve these targets sets a precedent for effective climate action. Particularly when the countries leading by example are not only from the region most impacted by climate change but are also among the smallest and least developed states globally.”

The Validation consultation for Niue's Draft Updated NDC signified a pivotal moment in the island's climate action agenda. With a steadfast commitment to the Paris Agreement and a collaborative approach involving diverse stakeholders, Niue is charting a course towards a more sustainable and resilient future in the face of climate change's mounting challenges.

Background information: 
The NDC Hub was established by 14 Pacific Island Countries to support their climate targets set by the Paris Agreement. At COP23, it was formally launched to aid Pacific Island governments in implementing their NDCs through data, resources, and expertise. With a focus on sustainable development and resilience, it collaborates with global partners and receives support from donors like the European Union, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. This collective effort underscores the region's commitment to combatting climate change and fostering a low-carbon future.

For more information on the NDC Hub: please visit https://pacificndc.org or https://pacificndc.org/pacific-ndcs/niue for more information on Niue’s NDCs progress.

Contacts: 
Amit Singh, Climate Change Project Development Specialist | [email protected]
Angelica Salele, Climate Change Flagship Programme Communications Officer | [email protected]