8 December 2011: The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) gathered in Durban, South Africa, on the margins of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to commemorate the work of Grenada, which has chaired AOSIS since 2007. From 2012, Nauru will serve as AOSIS Chair.

Karl Hood, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Export Development and the Environment, Grenada, addressed AOSIS members, encouraging the grouping to continue to stand united, and offered support to Nauru in its new role. Sprent Dabwido, President of Nauru, recognized the efforts of Leon Charles, Grenada, Chief AOSIS Negotiator, praising his depth of knowledge and understanding of the process. In his own remarks, Charles stressed the need for continued vision, courage, and cooperation and teamwork within AOSIS. [PIFS Press Release] [Climate Pasifika Blog]