"Talanoa is a traditional word used in Fiji and across the Pacific to reflect a process of inclusive, participatory and transparent dialogue. The purpose of Talanoa is to share stories, build empathy and to make wise decisions for the collective good. The process of Talanoa involves the sharing of ideas, skills and experience through storytelling.

During the process, participants build trust and advance knowledge through empathy and understanding. Blaming others and making critical observations are inconsistent with building mutual trust and respect, and therefore inconsistent with the Talanoa concept. Talanoa fosters stability and inclusiveness in dialogue, by creating a safe space that embraces mutual respect for a platform for decision making for a greater good.”

Background and mandates

• COP21: The COP decided to convene a facilitative dialogue among Parties in 2018 to take stock of the collective efforts of Parties in relation to progress towards the long-term goal referred to in Article 4, paragraph 1, of the Paris Agreement and to inform the preparation of nationally determined contributions pursuant to Article 4, paragraph 8, of the Agreement (decision 1/CP.21, paragraph 20).

• COP22: The President of COP22 and the Incoming-President of COP23 were mandated to undertake inclusive and transparent consultations with Parties on the organization of the 2018 facilitative dialogue (decision 1/CP.22, paragraph 16).

• COP23: The Presidencies of COP22 and COP23 presented the outcome of their consultations on the dialogue and on this basis, made available the approach to the dialogue to all Parties. The COP welcomed with appreciation the design of the 2018 facilitative dialogue, to be known as the Talanoa Dialogue, and launched the dialogue, which will start in January 2018 (decision 1/CP.23, paragraphs 10-11 and Annex II).