Pacific climate change centre hosts partners dialogue

The Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) Partners Dialogue officially opened this morning at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) campus at Vailima.

This two-day gathering brings to the table talks about the long-term sustainability plan for building a climate-resilient Pacific through the functions of the PCCC and “strengthening partnerships, forging new, genuine and durable” collaborations.

PCCC, established in 2019, is the regional centre of excellence for climate change, providing services in areas of knowledge brokerage, science-to-services and applied research, capacity building through training and learning, and innovation.

Hosted at SPREP, the centre is a partnership between the Governments of Japan and Samoa, funded under grant aid through JICA, with Samoa as the host country of SPREP. New Zealand and Australia later joined in providing support towards the centre’s goals.

Partner talks and the PCCC

Endorsed to take place every two years, the dialogue allows partners to discuss progress, flag gaps and challenges, and identify opportunities for the long-term sustainability of PCCC.

The meeting will specifically address:

1. Advancing talks on the long-term sustainability of the Pacific Climate Change Centre and strengthening partnerships, including forging new, genuine, and durable ties.
2. Discussions on what PCCC offers through its four key services.
3. Reporting on the implementation progress of the PCCC Strategy and Business Plan 2020 and advancing investments in key services such as knowledge brokerage, science-to-services, capacity building, and innovation.
4. Presenting Pacific Climate Resilient Legacy initiatives and proposals, including the Pacific Climate Change Innovative Investment Hub and the Pacific Climate Change Innovation Lounge.
5. Dialogues on opportunities and entry points for partners to contribute to the long-term sustainability of PCCC, including financial support and resources for service implementation.

In the four years since its establishment, PCCC’s primary challenge has been the absence of a predictable and long-term operational budget and resources to ensure effective service delivery.

Participants include representatives from over 10 countries, donor partners, private sector members, civil society organisations, international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, academic institutions, and other relevant partners.

PCCC’s functions cover 14 Pacific Island countries, 7 Territories, and 5 metropolitan countries, focusing on four key areas: climate change science and services, climate change adaptation, mitigation and low-carbon futures, and climate finance.

PCCC: a testament of shared commitment

Samoa’s Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai, represented the Government of Samoa in delivering the keynote address at the opening.

He spoke about the Pacific region’s vulnerability to climate change and its impact on communities, economies, and ecosystems due to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and shifting climate patterns.

“As Small Island Developing States (SIDS), we bear the brunt of a crisis not of our making, yet we remain resolute in our commitment to climate action and resilience building,” he said.

He referred to the Pacific Climate Change Centre as a testament to shared commitments in climate adaptation and mitigation.

“The Government of Samoa and the Government of Japan reaffirm their long-lasting friendship through this Centre.”

Lautimuia noted that since its establishment, the centre has served as a hub to address the needs of its members by providing tailored solutions to the Pacific’s unique climate challenges. However, he stressed that sustained resources are essential for its long-term success.

“It is a timely reminder that the long-term sustainability of the PCCC requires a multi-faceted approach. PCCC needs enhanced support to sustain its key services and fulfil its mandates in addressing climate change challenges in our Pacific.”

He urged participants to foster strategic alliances with regional and international partners, development agencies, and multilateral institutions to mobilize sustained funding and technical support for the centre.

The Minister also highlighted the need for innovative financing mechanisms beyond traditional funding sources, suggesting climate bonds, microfinance, public-private partnerships, green financing initiatives, and carbon trading schemes to secure long-term investment in climate resilience.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening regional capacity by providing training and resources to local communities, governments, and organisations.

“Strengthening technical expertise within the region will ensure that homegrown solutions drive our climate resilience efforts.”

He called on all partners to reaffirm their commitment to long-term, predictable, and accessible financing for climate resilience through PCCC.

“I call upon all partners to reaffirm their commitment to long-term, predictable, and accessible financing for climate resilience through our Centre.”

He reassured participants that Samoa remains steadfast in its commitment to the Pacific’s climate resilience journey.

“Together, through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering determination, we will continue to fight climate change, which continually sets back our region’s sustainable development journey.”

Counsellor of Japan at the Embassy of Japan in Samoa, Mr. Kazuo Tsukada, New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa, Her Excellency Si’alei van Toor, Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency William Robinson, and SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra also delivered remarks at the event’s opening.

The outcome document of the dialogue is expected to be reported at the plenary session tomorrow, the final day of the talks, with the final report shared with all partners and participants by Friday, 28 March.