This week, the Fiji delegation continued its final round of preparations for the Sixty-Fourth Session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Bonn, Germany, from 8 to 18 June 2026.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change convened its usual Technical Working Group session to review draft negotiation texts, strengthen Fiji’s positions, and prepare officials for engagement across key agenda items.
Sessions were led by the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, who shared practical negotiation tools, lessons from past negotiators, and guidance on how to engage in complex multilateral spaces, particularly on matters that may not conclude during the intersessional meetings.
Dr Michael said SB64 is a critical meeting because it helps set the direction for decisions that will later be taken at COP31.
He reminded officials that successful negotiations require preparation, coordination, clear communication and a strong understanding of both the text and the rules of procedures.
“The size of the team does not matter. What matters is our effectiveness during the negotiations and that depends on how we prepare, coordinate and move beyond the procedural niceties” Dr Michael said.
The team also discussed how negotiations can become difficult when issues are delayed, text is contested, or discussions are moved into smaller and more informal spaces.
Drawing from the intensity of COP30, Dr Michael encouraged officials to remain alert, regularly update one another, and ensure that Fiji’s positions are advanced consistently across the rooms.
He said the purpose of negotiations is not simply to speak, but to secure decisions that can translate into real action for communities.
“Our work must cascade from the negotiation rooms into national decisions, programmes and delivery for our people,” he said.
Fiji’s participation at SB64 will focus on advancing national and regional priorities, including adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, oceans, and other issues of importance to vulnerable countries.
A multi-ministry team of 7 individuals will be representing Fiji at SB64, and all costs for their participation are covered through external funding support.