ICLEI Oceania in partnership with the Global Covenant of Mayors hosted a final meeting for the GCoM Technical Support services program in Nadi, Fiji, on 23 October. The Technical Services Program has been working with five towns and cities in the Solomon Islands and Fiji and is funded by the European Union.

The event was opened by the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hon. Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa and the Program Manager Climate Change European Union Delegation, Ms Roxane Castelein.

A high-level delegation of representatives from eight Fiji towns and cities attended the event, with Special Administrators (mayor equivalents), CEOs and technical staff, along with the Permanent Secretary Local Government and officers from the Division of Climate Change.  Ms Rajneesh Charan also helped facilitate the event in her capacity as Director of the ICLEI Oceania Board. 

Participating local authorities were assisted to develop high quality Climate Action Plans and pre-feasibility reports for several priority actions.  Interestingly, improved waste management, flood mitigation and improved urban drainage were the priorities identified by all participants.

A highlight of the event was the presentation by the Minister of Climate Action Plans to Nadi, Labasa and Savusavu towns. The last session of the day focussed on how the towns can use these CAPs and project proposals to advocate for funding support to move from planning to action.