IATE Term of the Week: Talanoa Dialogue

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This week, we see the annual United Nation’s climate change conference (COP24) take place in Katowice, Poland, with the summit lasting from 2nd to 14th December. The aim of the conference involving the EU and its Member States, is to focus on tackling climate change, and one of the fundamental ways of ensuring the implementation of the Paris Agreement is through the Talanoa Dialogue.

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climate-change

 

The Talanoa Dialogue was one of the main outcomes of the previous summit held by the United Nations, COP23, that was presided by Fiji in Bonn, Germany. But what exactly is it, and how can it help strengthen climate action?

The word Talanoa is Fijian and relates to the notion of transparency: to share a story or have a conversation that is inclusive in nature, helping to lead to more successful decision making for all concerned. The concept is well known in Fiji and across the South Pacific, and particularly pertinent when it comes to seeking solutions regarding climate change in the context of COP24.

Previously known as the facilitative dialogue, the Talanoa Dialogue looks at finding ways to bring together different EU member states in order to reach the Paris Agreement goals. This includes reducing emissions, as well as aiming to maintain the global temperature under 2 degrees Celsius.

 

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References:

  • 2018 Talanoa dialogue platform, 2018.  [online: here], United Nations Climate Change, retrieved on 03/12/2018.
  • A contribution to the UNFCCC COP24 , 2018. [online: here], Committee of the Regions, retrieved on 03/12/2018.
  • COP24 climate change conference in Katowice, 2018.  [online: here], European Parliament, retrieved on 03/12/2018.

Written by Mairead Finlay – Communication Trainee at the Terminology Coordination Unit of the European Parliament (Luxembourg). She has studied Translation at the University of Geneva and holds a BA in Politics and French from the University of Bristol.