The Phase One closure workshop of the Fiji Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) Project, a project under the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), provided a valuable opportunity for government stakeholders to reflect on progress, lessons learned, and priorities for the next phase. The session brought together practitioners working across climate transparency, data systems, and monitoring frameworks to assess both technical and institutional outcomes. 

This case study captures reflections from Makereta Tuima, Senior Project Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst at the Fiji Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, highlighting her experience throughout Phase One and her perspectives on strengthening Phase Two. 

Participant profile

Makereta Tuima serves as a Senior Project Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst within the Fiji Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics. Working closely on development planning and results-based monitoring, she has participated in CBIT Phase One workshops and technical sessions, contributing to discussions on climate finance tracking, transparency systems, and institutional data capacity. 

Reflections on learning and Phase One experience

Reflecting on the CBIT Phase One journey, Makereta described it as a significant learning experience both personally and professionally, particularly in relation to climate finance and transparency space. She noted that the workshops provided over time had strengthened her understanding of key concepts and practical applications. In reflecting the closure workshop and the six key lessons presented from implementation, she emphasized the importance of ensuring these lessons are not only acknowledged but actively applied, moving into Phase Two. In her view, Phase Two should deliberately build on the gaps identified in Phase One to strengthen design, improve implementation, and refine the overall vision of the programme. 

Data systems, digital tools, and institutional capacity

A key area of reflection for Makereta centered on the use of data systems and digital tools introduced through the CBIT programme. She highlighted the value of these tools in supporting transparency and monitoring but also stressed that their long-term effectiveness depends on institutional capacity. She reflected on earlier technical engagements where discussions focused not only on system functionality but also on whether ministries have the necessary skills and support structures to maintain and operate these systems. 

She raised a critical concern around sustainability, particularly in contexts where staff turnover and brain drain can lead to loss of institutional knowledge. In such situations, systems risk becoming difficult to maintain, or require additional resources to rebuild capacity that was previously developed. From her perspective, this underscores a broader lesson for development programmes: that systems alone are not enough unless institutions are equipped to sustain them beyond the life of a project. Without this, even well-designed tools may struggle to deliver long-term impacts. 

Stakeholder engagement and coordination

Makereta also reflected on the importance of stakeholder participation in the CBIT Phase One process. She observed that not all relevant stakeholders were consistently present in workshops, which at times limited the ability to fully validate ideas and ensure shared understanding across ministries. She emphasized that the presence of all key actors is essential when developing or reviewing systems, as it allows for collective agreement, reduces duplication, and ensures that different institutional perspectives are properly captured. 

In her view, stronger coordination and more inclusive engagement would help improve alignment across government systems and avoid situations where similar tools or processes are developed in parallel without sufficient integration. 

Lessons and forward outlook

Across her reflections, several key lessons from Phase One emerge. Capacity building must be ongoing rather than one-off, with greater attention given to both technical users and system administrators. Digital tools require sustained institutional ownership if they are to remain functional and relevant over time. Knowledge of retention is critical in ensuring continuity, particularly in environments where staff movement is frequent. Equally important is the need for stronger coordination across ministries to ensure that systems are aligned, validated collectively, and designed with interoperability in mind. 

Looking ahead, Makereta’s reflections point to the need for Phase Two to place greater emphasis on sustainability, institutional strengthening, and coordination. By addressing these areas, the CBIT programme can build on the foundations of Phase One and enhance the effectiveness of climate transparency systems across government. 

Conclusion

Phase One of the CBIT Project has contributed meaningfully to strengthening awareness and capacity around climate transparency and data systems. As reflected by Makereta Tuima, it has also highlighted important structural and institutional considerations that will shape future progress. The transition to Phase Two presents an opportunity to consolidate these lessons, strengthen institutional ownership, and ensure that systems developed are both practical and sustainable in the long term.

Follow us on X | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram   

For more information, visit:  https://gggi.org 

GGGI Pacific

Kelly Vacala, Regional Communications & Knowledge Sharing Lead| Kelly.Vacala@gggi.org