3 August 2026, Alofi – Niue is strengthening its voice on the global stage, with government officials and key stakeholders completing a three-day national training programme to sharpen their climate negotiation skills ahead of the Pacific Preparatory Meeting and COP31.
The tailored workshop, delivered by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in partnership with the Government of Niue, is preparing the country's delegation to advocate effectively for national priorities at the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties- a crucial platform where small island developing states push for urgent global climate action.
For Niue, the stakes could not be higher. Despite contributing negligibly to global emissions, the island nation is already bearing the brunt of a changing climate.
"Niue's carbon footprint is negligible on a global scale, yet we have suffered substantial loss and damage- not only from cyclones, but also from ongoing coastal erosion caused by storm surges and strong waves, as well as prolonged dry conditions. As Niueans, we know climate change is no longer a future threat; it is our daily reality," said Minister for Natural Resources, Hon. Rhonda Tiakia, at the workshop's opening.
The training comes at a critical time, with Niue set to participate in the pre-COP31 hosted in Fiji and Tuvalu from 5 to 8 October, and COP31 hosted in Turkiye from 9 to 20 November this year. The workshop is designed to ensure the country's small delegation can engage effectively across a broad range of agenda items, including climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, and the ocean-climate nexus- all issues of direct and urgent concern to Niue and the wider Pacific island nations/region.
"The COP process is an important forum where small island developing states like Niue can raise concerns about global inaction on phasing out greenhouse gases. It is crucial for safeguarding our island, our homes, and the future of our generations," Hon. Minister Tiakia added.
SPREP's Director of Climate Change Resilience, Ms. Tagaloa Cooper, said the training was developed in direct response to a request from the Niue Government to strengthen national capacity for international climate engagement.
"The strength of Pacific climate diplomacy rests on well-prepared delegates who understand both the technical issues and the negotiation process. Through presentations, panel discussions, practical exercises, and simulations, participants will gain valuable experience directly applicable to regional and international negotiations," she said.
The workshop is supported by the Australian Government through the Strengthening Pacific Leadership in International Climate Change Engagement (SPLICCE) programme. H.E. Vincent Paul Harrington, Australian High Commissioner to Niue addressed participants , saying
"We thank SPREP for our partnership and leadership in this area. I hope this workshop will be helpful as you progress on your path towards the negotiations that are coming in the next few months."
Beyond building individual skills, the workshop also aims to strengthen national coordination among government officials, technical experts, and stakeholders- ensuring Niue's delegation presents a unified front at the negotiating table and contributes to a strong, collective Pacific voice.
The Niue National Negotiations training and COP31 Preparation Workshop is hosted in Alofi Niue from 3 - 5 August, bringing together over 20 participants across a range of sectors. Coordinated by SPREP in partnership with the Government of Niue, it is supported by the Australia-funded Strengthening Pacific Leadership in International Climate Change Engagement (SPLICCE) programme.