Crawford at COP29: meet scholar Tirisiane Logavatu

Tirisiane Logavatu is a Master of Public Policy student from Fiji, studying at the Crawford School under an Australia Awards scholarship. A passionate advocate for women and girls, she works to increase their representation in Fijian society, especially in leadership positions.

“Representation”, she says, “not only empowers women and girls, but also brings diverse perspectives and solutions to global challenges”.

Tiri works as a Senior Research Officer at Fiji’s Parliament and has taken a career break to come to Canberra to further her studies at the Crawford School. She was lucky enough to be selected to attend COP29 in Azerbaijan through ANU's Climate Alumni Leadership Program, which gives emerging Pacific Islands leaders like her the chance to participate in COPs. This learning experience is unique to ANU.

Here, she reflects on what going to COP29 as a Crawford scholar means for her.

From your perspective as i-Taukei [indigenous Fijian], what are the most pressing climate challenges facing Fiji today?

I believe the most pressing challenge as an i-Taukei is not just about mitigating environmental damage; it's about preserving a way of life that is deeply connected to the land and sea. It requires a balance of modern science with the wisdom of traditional knowledge, and it calls for the recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples to lead and shape solutions in a way that respects our heritage and culture.

What motivated you to pursue a master's degree at the Crawford School?

I wanted to pursue a Master of Public Policy at Crawford because I wanted to broaden my understanding of how public policy is made and implemented. After gaining experience working in Parliament, I wanted a deeper understanding of global and national policy-making frameworks, governance, and in-depth analysis of public policies. With leading lecturers in the field of public policy, I found Crawford provided the best opportunity to connect with scholars, policymakers, and peers from around the world to gain critical thinking skills in policy analysis, international relations, economics, and leadership. These networks also provide valuable personal and professional growth, opening doors for collaborations, research, and advocacy that could contribute to systemic change.

How has your previous experience in government shaped your perspective on climate policy and international climate negotiations?

Working in Parliament, I have seen the importance of strong national leadership in climate action, but with a recognition that international negotiations are often about finding common ground among disparate interests. As small island nations in the Pacific, we need to work together to amplify our voices in this global space.

For climate negotiations to be effective for my nation, it is imperative that there are inclusive processes that ensure that the voices of local communities—especially women and girls, indigenous peoples, and vulnerable communities—are heard in global discussions. It is important that our national negotiators are thoroughly trained and equipped to know the processes at COP and know the COP language to effectively engage and be strategic so that our voices are heard in this space.

What topic area of your studies are you most interested in and why?

I am interested in public policy analysis, and particularly in the implementation of policies and the impact they make to the most vulnerable. My areas of interest include economic policy, in particular aid funding, gender-responsive budgeting, and climate finance.

As a first-time United Nations Climate Change Conference attendee, what expectations do you have about this COP?

As a first-time attendee, I expect the negotiations to be intense, complex, and, at times, contentious. Given the wide range of interests at play—developed vs. developing nations, corporations vs. activists, the global North vs. the global South—the talks will likely be full of differing opinions on how to balance climate justice with economic development and sustainability. I expect a lot of discussions on climate finance (especially the NCQG of $100 billion), adaptation, and loss and damage for vulnerable communities.

Are there specific topics, events or sessions that you are particularly passionate about and hope to be attend at COP29?

I will be following the negotiations and events on gender and climate and the actions taken on the Gender Action Plan (GAP) and possibly negotiations for a new GAP.

Given the key takeaways from COP28 in Dubai, what changes or improvements do you anticipate in this year's negotiations at COP29, particularly in terms of ambition, participation, and the integration of climate action into broader socio-economic frameworks?

COP29 will likely build on the foundations laid at COP28, with stronger ambition, greater participation, and a deeper integration of climate action into broader socio-economic frameworks. Key improvements might include more ambitious mitigation targets, the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, increased involvement of non-state actors (including civil society and the private sector), and a deeper focus on just transitions and climate-resilient development. These changes could lead to more robust and equitable outcomes for all nations, especially the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

In what ways do you believe your experience at COP29 will influence your future academic or professional pursuits? What are your aspirations for your career in climate policy after your studies?

COP29 will provide me with a unique opportunity to engage directly with international climate negotiations at the highest level. Observing and participating in the dialogues between governments, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector will give me firsthand insight into the complexities of climate diplomacy, the negotiations behind key agreements, and the push for ambitious climate action. My experience at COP29 will likely fuel my academic interest in how climate finance is distributed and the complexities involved in ensuring equitable and fair access to these resources. I’ll be able to explore more deeply the issues around climate equity, historical responsibility, and global solidarity through both policy analysis and comparative studies of different nations’ approaches to climate action.

What message do you hope to convey to other nations about the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities?

I strongly support the call from Pacific Island nations that 1.5°C for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is non-negotiable. The phrase "1.5 to stay alive" emphasises the critical importance of the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This target is still technically achievable, but any rise above it will lead to catastrophic climate impacts for vulnerable regions like SIDS. For our nations, achieving 1.5°C is essential for survival, as anything beyond that will exacerbate sea-level rise, extreme weather, and other destructive climate effects.

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