Preliminary engagement Preparation and planning were key to delivering an effective High-Level Dialogue and workshop that would deepen discussion and promote collaboration with government on climate actions. Prior to the events, the NHRI reached out to key partners to build awareness and support for its strategy to engage government executives and policymakers. This included bilateral meetings with the: ● ● Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Chief Executive Officer; Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Climate Change Division; Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Services) Pacific Climate Change Centre (Manager and senior staff). The meetings were positively received and both organisations agreed to support implementation of the activity. This included a commitment from the Minister for Natural Resources and Environment to provide a keynote address at the High-Level Dialogue. The Pacific Climate Change Centre offered logistical support by hosting the High-Level Dialogue and workshop at its venue and providing refreshments. The meeting was timely for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which was in the process of developing a climate change bill, as well as reviewing its gender climate change policy. The meeting also helped strengthen links with the NHRI, which can offer human rights expertise and advice in the development of these policies. In addition, the NHRI held in-person and Zoom meetings with organisations and individuals to invite them to provide technical support and human perspectives on the impact of climate change in Samoa. This included meetings with ● ● ● ● Samoa Red Cross (Executive Secretary) Fiji Council of Social Services (Executive Manager) Youth representative of the Ombudsman/NHRI of Samoa Advisory Group. Ministry of Finance (Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Climate Resilience, Investment and Coordination Division) Other organisations and individuals could not meet due to pressing work commitments but expressed great interest via email to accept the invitation to provide technical support. They included: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, Dr Ian Fry Nuanua o le Alofa (Disability Organization) (General Manager) Samoa Faafafine Association (SOGIE community) (Vice President) Le Siosiomaga Society (President) Samoa Conservation Society (President) Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (Chief Executive Officer) Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (Assistant Executive Officer) Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (Principal Officer) These meetings helped build awareness about the purpose of the High-Level Dialogue and workshop, and how the organisations and individuals could enrich the discussions by sharing their knowledge and perspectives. There was strong support from participating organisations to contribute to the event and be a voice for the communities and organisations they represent. - 24 -