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Talofa lava & Tēnā koutou katoa from te moana nui a kiwa (Pacific ocean)! This past month the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative hosted two pivotal gatherings shaping our path forward. The Pacific Strategy Retreat convened Pacific civil society organisations, faith groups, youth, and indigenous communities in Nadi, Fiji, to discuss our regional strategy for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific. This transformative gathering covered everything from Political Strategy to movement-building, exploring research and legal pathways, to storytelling through music, dance, and the arts. This culminated in the launch of The Naiuli Declaration for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, a significant milestone in the global climate movement. It demands an unequivocal commitment from Pacific leaders for a Just and Equitable Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific by COP30. The declaration was presented to Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Fiji, representing the 12 Governments calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Following this, the first ever in-person Steering Committee and core partners meeting of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative was held in Nairobi, uniting friends of the treaty from across the globe. This powerful gathering reaffirmed the need to build on the climate leadership of the Pacific and centre the voices of Indigenous and frontline communities from the global south in our work to secure a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Discussion ranged from understanding the unique context of specific regions to grappling with the principles of a just transition, finance, and equity. Both gatherings reinforced the vital role of partnership and network to this campaign - emphasising the need for strategic collaboration and community-building within and across communities all over our shared planet. These meetings highlighted to me that our collective strength lies in our ability to work together, pool resources, expertise, and perspectives to drive momentum for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. In Samoa, there's a powerful proverb: "Lutia i Puava ae mapu i Fagalele," describing voyagers braving rough seas of Puava Point before finding calm waters in Fagalele Bay. In the Pacific, we understand these trials all too well as we navigate the devastation of the climate crisis with the hope of returning to the calm waters of a fossil fuel-free Pacific. The Naiuli Declaration serves as a poignant reminder: that our voyage to a fossil fuel-free world hinges on the unity and strength of our network, community, and wider climate movement. In solidarity, Mary Moeono-Kolio, Pacific Treaty Champion & Pacific Climate Warrior
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