The Government of Samoa held a High-Level Partners Dialogue on Long-Term Investment and Sustainability of the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) at the SPREP-Pacific Climate Change Centre in Vailima on Thursday.
Minister for Natural Resources, Environment, and Lands, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster, spoke about the role of the PCCC and the need for greater investment in climate action.
“The Pacific Climate Change Centre is the Pacific’s hub for excellence in climate action, driving innovative, demand-driven, and fit-for-purpose climate financing to accelerate investment and resilience in the region,” Schuster said.
He called for increased financial support.
“The PCCC aligns with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific, supporting the region’s aspirations for climate resilience. Achieving these goals requires strong resource mobilisation and commitments at national, regional, and international levels through collective action.”
The Centre was established through a partnership between the Governments of Japan and Samoa, with additional support from New Zealand and Australia. Schuster said that after five years, the PCCC continues to focus on resilience and sustainable development in the Pacific, but long-term investment is needed.
“The PCCC operates with a limited operational budget, which affects its ability to fully implement its work plan. The broad scope of its functions also requires sustained financial support,” Schuster said.
“We need more partners to come to the table.”
A long-term investment strategy is being developed to secure financial sustainability. Schuster said the focus will be on strengthening service delivery through partnerships, mobilising donor support and resources, and establishing an innovative climate investment hub.
Collaboration with organisations such as the University of Melbourne, the Climate Finance Access Network, and the Asia Institute of Technology has helped share costs and provide technical support. The Pacific Climate Resilience Legacy Initiative will be launched this week to strengthen the PCCC’s ability to deliver climate action in the region. A study is underway to explore alternative climate finance options. The hub aims to secure long-term, predictable investment to support adaptation, mitigation, and climate finance access.
“The hub will mobilise financial and technical resources in a demand-driven and predictable manner,” Schuster said. “It will support climate action while aligning with national priorities.”
The Centre will continue working with regional and international partners to expand its impact.
“By sustaining partnerships, mobilising resources, and maintaining a strategic focus, we can strengthen climate resilience in the Pacific,” Schuster said. “The PCCC will continue to provide the services needed to build a sustainable future.”
The dialogue brought together government representatives, donors, and regional organisations to discuss long-term solutions for climate resilience in the Pacific.
