Its spin-offs and what it means for Fiji

As thousands gather at the 23rd Conference of Parties (COP23) in Bonn, Germany – our culture, traditions and art are also being showcased. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change provincial list, there are some 11,300 participants at COP23 on behalf of a particular country or "party."

Participants are greeted at the Bonn venue with Fijian phrases along with its English and German translations. Phrases like Bula, Sota Tale, Vakanuinui vinaka, Talanoa and Wananavu can be read throughout the arena. It certainly would have felt like home away from home for the 70 plus Fijian delegation attending the event. But even before the meeting proper started on Monday, our Fiji Police band members came out bare-chested in the freezing Bonn weather to perform a traditional men's fan dance (meke iri) at the city centre.

Again during the official opening of the COP23 meet, members of the Fiji Police band performed a traditional welcome ceremony.

The German Environment Minister received the first bowl of yaqona.

The ceremony was beamed and shared across the globe on many platforms.

And again as participants walk out of the meeting area, Fijians serenade them with song around a tanoa of yaqona. Some got to witness the Fiji Police band members perform a traditional sitting dance (vakamalolo).

Also on display are the work of masi maker, Igatolo Tokase of Moce Island and the kuta (reed) weaving specialist Mataiasi Qaroro with the wedding attire he had designed and woven.

These displays and more shows will continue over the next 10 days.

Imagine the impact such displays and personal connections will have.

It's fair to say that this is the ultimate marketing opportunity for Fiji and our Fijian Made products - not only in Bonn but around the world.

The event allows us the opportunity to showcase our unique customs and traditions, smiling resilient Fijians and our part of the world.

While we can all stand tall and proud of what we see in Bonn, a good amount of thinking and planning was put into what we witnessed.

For those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to showcase Fiji to the world, we say well done. Another benchmark set by the Fijian delegation is the inclusion of 50 per cent of women in the 74-member team.

We were rated as a large delegation with an even malefemale split.

Other parties rated include Turkey (86 delegates, 50 per cent female), Poland (77 delegates, 53 per cent female). The United Kingdom team of 45 have 67 per cent female to 33 per cent male, while the 48 member United States of America team have 38 per cent female..

With lessons learnt along the way, Fiji has certainly set a benchmark for others to aspire to.