Solomon Islands Calls for Equitable Action at COP29 High-Level Roundtable on Just Transition
Baku, Azerbaijan – 19 November 2024
The twenty-ninth United Nations Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP29) is underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11–22 November 2024.
As the second week of negotiations intensifies, the Solomon Islands Government Delegation, led by the Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Honorable Trevor Hedley Mahaga, is actively engaged in both technical negotiations and high-level ministerial meetings.
At the Second High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on Just Transition convened on Monday 18th November Hon. Mahaga commended the progress made under the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP), which aims to guide Parties in transitioning to a net-zero future. He highlighted the efforts of the Solomon Islands in charting its transition pathways through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
“Although contributing negligible amounts of emissions, the Solomon Islands has taken strides in outlining its transition pathways. However, effective implementation of these instruments relies heavily on finance, capacity-building support, and fit-for-purpose technology development and transfer,” stated Hon. Mahaga.
Minister Mahaga emphasized the critical role of international cooperation in facilitating global transition efforts. He noted its potential to drive capacity development, enable knowledge exchange, and support workforce re-skilling. He further stressed the importance of resilience and sustainable development as integral components of a just transition.
“As a Party, we would like to see greater focus on the objectives of the JTWP, including having a clear framework that helps define and implement our transition pathways in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication,” Hon. Mahaga added.
In closing, Hon. Mahaga reemphasized the Solomon Islands’ commitment to the 1.5°C temperature goal of the Paris Agreement and highlighted the importance of recognizing the unique challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He called for the effective mobilization of resources to ensure that the JTWP truly reflects the principles of justice.
“For the Solomon Islands, the 1.5°C temperature goal, recognition of our special circumstances, and effective mobilisation of the means of implementation are critical components that make the JTWP truly just,” Hon. Mahaga concluded.
The Second High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on Just Transition, a key event of COP29, provided a platform for the Solomon Islands, alongside ministers from Fiji, Niue, and Tuvalu, to deliver a unified message to the international community on the unique interpretation and needs of just transition in the context of SIDS.
PRESS RELEASE