ASK THE EXPERT: Dr Oldman Koboto on COP28 climate talks 24 October 2023 Dr Oldman Oduetse Koboto is Adviser and Manager of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), based in Mauritius. He leads CCFAH’s work to support Commonwealth countries – particularly small and other vulnerable states – in unlocking international climate finance to enable climate action.

Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to work as Adviser and Head of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH)? I joined the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub as Manager and Adviser in 2022. It has always been my passion to make a real difference for countries, communities and people, in the area of climate change. I hold a doctorate degree in Public International law, specialising in Climate Change. I have held several portfolios in the government of Botswana including Prosecution Counsel, Legal Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Director for the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. I also served as the Environment and Climate Change Specialist at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Botswana before re-joining the government as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resource Conservation and Tourism. What does CCFAH do and what is the most impactful aspect its work in Commonwealth countries? CCFAH launched operations in 2016, with the aim of supporting small states and other vulnerable countries in the Commonwealth to access climate finance. This is achieved by embedding long-term climate finance experts within government ministries to support project proposal development, policy support, human and institutional capacity building and knowledge management and learning all anchored with gender and youth mainstreaming. So far, CCFAH has helped mobilise more than US$ 310 million for climate projects in 14 countries as well as the Africa region. We’ve also trained over 2500 officials in 13 countries in different climate finance-related fields. The trainings provide the basis for understanding climate solutions developed by our experts, as well as opportunities for replication across countries. Ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai, how are you supporting Commonwealth countries heading into negotiations? The CCFAH has been conducting essential training – within the Commonwealth and beyond – to enhance the capacity of climate change negotiators to negotiate effectively. The training demystifies the COP process (“Conference of the Parties” to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change – UNFCCC), helping participants understand its jurisprudence, legal frameworks and principles, and means of implementation. It further unpacks the UNFCCC rule book, its forums for negotiations, country tactics, as well as approaches to developing national priorities, positions and intervention statements for technical sessions. So far, we have been able to train nearly 140 representatives (75 women and 63 men) from nine countries (eight in Africa and one in the Pacific), to effectively engage in COP28 negotiations. We are also developing training manuals and toolkits based on the experiences gained during the training. We hope to conduct more sessions focusing on youth and women in 2024.   What are three key lessons that emerged from these negotiation workshops that would be useful for other small states or climate vulnerable countries who wish to secure better outcomes?   Preparations for the Climate Change COP negotiations are a process and not an activity. Countries need to prepare well ahead of time including contributing to the development of COP Agenda, regional and political bloc positions. Most of the people participating in the climate change negotiation process may not have the technical capacity to comprehend the climate change negotiations. Climate change negotiations training is critical not only to enhance effective engagement at negotiations but also for domestication and implementation of climate actions at national level.   Why is it important to amplify the voice of small states and climate vulnerable nations at these negotiations and what can we expect at COP28? Climate change negotiations are a party-driven process. It is therefore important that the small and vulnerable countries understand that they have equal rights to contribute and direct the process using the established tools and frameworks for negotiations. As the most vulnerable groups, they must play a critical role in defining and informing proposed climate solutions and narratives, so that interventions are relevant and targeted to their needs. At COP28, we expect clear guidance on the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund including design parameters on eligibility, inclusivity, and scale. This fund is of paramount importance as it aims to provide financial assistance to nations most vulnerable and impacted by the effects of climate change. COP28 will also deliver the Global Stocktake report – the first five-yearly evaluation of the world’s progress on the Paris Agreement. We expect clear guidance on next steps, so that we can make the necessary adjustments to strategic approaches to supporting climate action and solutions. *** Notes to Editors The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under. The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-three of our members are small states, many of which are island nations. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality. Member countries are supported by a network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil society, cultural and professional organisations. For more information and regular updates about Commonwealth activities and initiatives, subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

 

Kenya Innovation Week 2023 energized by partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat 16 November 2023

Kenya Innovation Week 2023 - Commonwealth Edition, which will be held in Nairobi from 27 November to 1 December 2023, will this year include Commonwealth Leaders, government officials, business and academic representatives, as well as a delegation from the Commonwealth Secretariat, led by the Secretary General of the Commonwealth the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC. They will gather for the inaugural Commonwealth edition of the event, which is this year themed 'Innovating to Unlock Our Common Wealth'. Unlocking Our Common Wealth Kenya Innovation Week 2023 - Commonwealth Edition to be held at the Edge Convention Centre will explore the Commonwealth innovation system's key actors, linkages, potential for growth, challenges, and existing opportunities for innovators. Kenya’s 10-year Innovation Masterplan will also be launched during the week. President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Hon. William Ruto, welcomed participation in the week's activities, saying it would celebrate Commonwealth ingenuity and growth. He said: "The event will not only shed light on the brilliant innovations coming out of Kenya but will also highlight the Commonwealth innovation system's key actors and their linkages, potential for growth, challenges, and existing opportunities for innovators. I am especially delighted to welcome Commonwealth countries to Kenya, to join us as we advance the potential that exists to facilitate our collective achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through innovation." One of the highlights of the week's activities will be the announcement of the winners of the Secretary-General's Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards. Each award winner will receive a trophy, a certificate and prize money of £3,000. Award winners will also receive ongoing support for their work and the opportunity to participate in high-level forums. Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, underscored the importance of innovation to the development of the Commonwealth. She said: "Investment in innovation will result in a more prosperous, more equitable and more resilient society for all. With the advent of tools that are cheaper, easier to access and scalable, Africa must maintain or accelerate momentum. There is already great progress, tremendous talent and solid innovation evident across the continent. But we can and should do more and the Secretariat will create opportunities for you to do so." There are also other opportunities to hone and harness the skills of citizens from Commonwealth countries. For example, applications are now open for the prestigious Commonwealth Africa Cyber Fellowship programme. The fellowship will help cybersecurity experts from Commonwealth countries in Africa to exchange knowledge, foster partnerships and influence the policy work of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Applications are open until 10 December 2023. The five-day Kenya Innovation Week will include thematic summits, panel discussions, keynote addresses, fireside chats, workshops, and networking events. There will also be exhibitions from different participating organisations, groups and countries throughout the event. Commonwealth activities include a Ministerial Roundtable Discussion on Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as participation from the Commonwealth Youth Council and the Commonwealth Businesswomen's Network. Innovation as a platform for development is being interwoven into work being done by all teams within the Commonwealth Secretariat, and beneficial collaborations with partner organisations continue to be actively pursued.

 

 

 

SAUDI TOURISM AUTHORITY SIGNS AGREEMENT TO BECOME ‘GLOBAL TRAVEL PARTNER’ AT WTM LONDON

 

·       Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) signed an agreement to collaborate with RX Global, the organizer of WTM, on a two-year partnership for the World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio.

·       The collaboration will span the entirety of the WTM portfolio of tradeshows – WTM London, WTM Africa, WTM Latin America and Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

·       It is the third consecutive year STA has been a key WTM partner, with STA featuring as the ‘Premier Partner’ at World Travel Market London 2021 & 2022.

 

London, UK, 10^th November 2023: With Saudi Arabia being the world’s fastest growing new year-round tourism destination, STA has announced it will enter into a major new partnership with RX Global - following a formal signing after WTM London - which will see STA become the first-ever ‘Global Travel Partner’ of the World Travel Market (WTM) tradeshow events.

 

The two-year partnership, which is scheduled to run from November 2023 – September 2025 and is designed to cover the global remit of the WTM brand (including  WTM London, WTM Africa, WTM Latin America and Arabian Travel Market), was announced on 8^th November 2023, at the closing day of World Travel Market London.

 

The agreement to partner was reached on the Saudi stand between the STA and RX Global on the final day at this year’s WTM, where the STA has led the largest-ever Saudi tourism delegation, with over 75 stakeholders in attendance – a 48% increase from last year.

 

The STA stand this year brings to life the diverse and dynamic offering of what visitors can experience in the authentic home of Arabia, and the scale of progress of the most ambitious transformation in the world.

 

The STA level of attendance and participation truly demonstrates the significance of WTM 2023 in charting the future of the global tourism sector’s growth. 

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority said:

 

“Saudi is the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination, outperforming every expectation and setting the pace globally. Thanks to Saudi’s tourism leadership, each year our presence at WTM London continues to grow, and we are welcoming more visitors than ever, well on track to reach our targets for 2030.

 

“This partnership will highlight Saudi’s progress at WTM London and inspire more visits to Saudi through a series of engaging promotional activities at WTM events. Trade shows form a key part of our strategy of engaging with international trade partners – making the WTM sponsorship a perfect partnership for growth.

 

“I look forward to meeting old friends and new partners from around the world across all the WTM shows in 2023, 2024 and beyond.”

Vasyl Zhygalo, WTM Portfolio Director said:

“We’re pleased to welcome Saudi as the first ever WTM Global Travel Partner, building on the successes of the partnership with WTM London in 2021 and 2022. Saudi has ambitious targets to grow its tourism sector and our shows offer an unparalleled opportunity for Saudi to share its diverse range of tourism offerings and investment opportunities with key trade buyers and media from around the world.”

The collaboration is scheduled to include new promotional activities to inspire visits to Saudi Arabia. The STA CEO, Fahd Hamidaddin delivered a keynote speech at WTM London as well as opening remarks on the main Elevate stage. There was also an interactive and immersive stand, a specially-curated ‘Experience Saudi’ marketing campaign, digital screens in the WTM London Boulevard and a sand/sea scape on the boulevard floor that really brought Saudi Arabia’s brand to life.

 

Trade show attendance has been a key part of STA’s strategy since it opened its doors to international visitors in 2019. At WTM trade shows over the past few years, STA has secured a record number of deals and agreements with key international trade partners, and demonstrated STA’s commitment towards the success of the global tourism ecosystem.

Find out more about the STA’s latest news and what’s on at WTM London 2023:

 

·       Saudi Tourism Authority

·       WTM London Conference Program

 

• ENDS

 

About Saudi Tourism Authority

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi Arabia’s tourism destinations worldwide and developing the destination’s offering through programs, packages and business support. Its mandate includes developing the country’s unique assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi Arabia’s destination brand locally and overseas. STA operates 16 representative offices around the world, serving 38 countries.

 

About RX (Reed Exhibitions)

RX is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. We elevate the power of face to face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at approximately 400 events in 22 countries across 42 industry sectors. RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.rxglobal.com

 

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 35,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

 

*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors