Honourable Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster, Minister for Natural Resources, Environment, and Lands, outlined Samoa’s climate action strategy at the Post-COP29 Report Back Workshop held at Lava Hotel on Wednesday.
The workshop focused on the outcomes of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Minister Schuster stressed the importance of translating global commitments into concrete actions at the national and community levels.
“This workshop is about turning the outcomes of COP29 into tangible actions for Samoa,” Schuster said.
“Our priority now is to build on the commitments made and ensure they benefit our communities directly.”
During COP29, Samoa joined other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in advocating for urgent climate action. Schuster pointed to developments in climate finance, including new funding mechanisms and pledges to the Loss and Damage Fund.
“The progress on the New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance is a critical step,” he said. “It offers hope for more predictable and accessible funding for adaptation and mitigation projects in countries like ours.”
Schuster also noted the need for stronger adaptation measures and increased ambition in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to align with the 1.5°C goal. “We need to align our national actions with the global target. It is not just a matter of policy but a necessity for our survival,” he said.
Samoa played a strong role at COP29, pushing for streamlined access to climate finance and highlighting the challenges faced by SIDS.
“Samoa was a clear voice for the Pacific, making sure our region’s concerns were heard, especially when it comes to navigating complex funding processes,” Schuster said.
Looking ahead, Schuster outlined Samoa’s key priorities, including strengthening climate resilience, improving access to funding, building partnerships with development partners and the private sector, and ensuring accountability in implementing climate policies.
“Our approach is straightforward: deliver on our promises, support our communities, and remain accountable,” he stated.
He encouraged all stakeholders to actively participate in discussions and support Samoa’s climate initiatives. “The road ahead requires all of us to work together with determination and a clear focus on our goals,” he said.
