In this series, we will be introducing you to some of our Pacific island delegates, who are the people representing our islands at the Climate Change negotiations now underway.
The Twenty-fifth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP25) is hosted in Madrid, Spain from 2 – 13 December, 2019.
Pacific negotiators and delegates have been working in the rooms amplifying our Pacific voice and our Pacific asks. We hope you enjoy this series getting to know more of our Pacific Island negotiators and delegates.
Name: Rosalina Ah Sue
Country: Samoa
Q: How did you come to be a representative for your country at COP25?
A: I work for the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development in Samoa and we are the focal point for Gender in our country. Coming to COP has been an overwhelming experience for me, in terms of the technicality of the conference. Aside from that, it has been very rewarding. Just listening every day to the different meetings, side events, especially the side events at the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion, I’ve been listening to the young people, the older generation and the leaders of different governments talking passionately about climate change and the effects on the large ocean states that include us in the Pacific. I would love to get up and tell the whole world to please listen, this is a problem, and that it’s time for action. We have been having these meetings every year, this is the 25th session and there’s already talks of a 26th COP next year and we talk so much about how it is time for action but is there really action?
Q: Gender is obviously an issue of interest to you. How important is gender in climate change?
A: Gender plays a critical role in practically everything. In terms of climate change, the issue of gender also plays a huge part in the negotiations process. Coming from Samoa, there is a saying that goes “E au le ‘ina’ilau a tama’ita’i” which means women can carry things through right to the very end and I strongly believe that when talking about gender in terms of negotiations, the voice of women and the part they play is very vital when it comes to addressing the issue of climate change.
Q: What advice would you give to other young Samoan and Pacific island women who would like to be involved in this space?
A: My advice is to take every opportunity to let your voice be heard and ensure that you are heard throughout the world that women can do things and it’s very important to take action now.