This collaborative project started in 2014 working with Pacific island leaders, negotiators and coalitions in climate change negotiations. The ongoing project has grown over the decade work with officials including diplomats and negotiators, civil society and activities, private sector, indigenous and local communities from across the Pacific and Australia – who play an active role in international and regional climate policy making and politics. The Climate Change Diplomacy is led by Sala Dr George Carter, and in collaboration with governments, universities and schools, regional organisations, societies, organisations and individuals has created a comprehensive and transformative multi-disciplinary climate change research agenda on the Pacific, Australia and Oceania underpinned by:
- Research Brokerage – empowering policy and decision makers with science research, but also grounded lived experience and indigenous and traditional knowledges. That Pacific climate research is inclusive and complimentary of knowledges and Pacific worldviews. The project has produced policy related reports and outcomes in the areas of climate change and finance, education, gender and social inclusion, women, justice, security and geopolitics to name a few.
- Capacity Building and Learning – working with community and indigenous knowledge holders, technical experts and officials, organisations and academics to deliver Pacific research and lived experience informed educational courses and lectures. Through in person and online platforms, the project has contributed to PhD programs, postgraduate and undergraduate teaching, executive leadership training, micro credentials, workshop technical and facilitation, webinars and primary school classes.
- Convening Connections and Partnerships – the project is a sought after and world renowned convenor in diplomacy, and building relations in managing and seeking on climate change. By building connections of individuals and local communities into areas of international diplomacy and vice versa, as well as linking multiple sectors – the project has facilitated unique forms of communities of practice that link climate change with security, ocean and space.
- Systems Futuring and Ownership – existing climate related economic, financial, political and social systems limit and prejudice against Pacific peoples and states. The project works with Pacific states, organisations, societies and indigenous communities to remove barriers to access and create transformative systems that are contextual and culturally sensitive. This research is essential in the ongoing cause on climate finance, climate justice and climate solutions.