The Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) Partners Dialogue to discuss the long-term sustainability of the PCCC and strengthening regional partnerships to build a climate-resilient Pacific began Wednesday morning at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in Vailima. 

The dialogue brings together more than 10 countries, including donor partners, civil society organisations, private sector representatives, international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, and academic institutions, all united in their commitment to addressing climate change in the Pacific region.

Established in 2019, the PCCC has become a regional center of excellence focused on climate change, providing services in knowledge brokerage, applied research, capacity building, and innovation. 

The PCCC was established as a joint initiative between the governments of Japan and Samoa, with funding support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and later contributions from Australia and New Zealand.

The dialogue, which is endorsed to take place biennially, serves as a critical opportunity for partners to reflect on the Centre’s achievements, discuss gaps, identify challenges, and explore future opportunities. 

This year’s discussions will center around advancing the P.C.C.C.’s long-term sustainability, reinforcing existing partnerships, and establishing new and meaningful collaborations.

The gathering also aims to review the PCCC’s four key services—climate change science and services, climate change adaptation, mitigation and low carbon futures, and climate finance—and assess progress on the implementation of the PCCC’s 2020 strategy and business plan.

Minister of Finance Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai underscored the critical need for sustained resources to ensure the Centre's long-term success. 

He spoke about the importance of partnerships and the role the PCCC plays in addressing the region's unique challenges related to climate change.

"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," said Lautimuia. 

He highlighted the PCCC as a testament to shared commitment among Pacific nations to climate adaptation and mitigation, emphasising the collaboration between Samoa and Japan in establishing the Centre.

Lautimuia further stressed that while the PCCC has made great strides in supporting Pacific Island nations, the Centre's long-term sustainability depends on continued and enhanced support. 

"The Government of Samoa and the Government of Japan reaffirm their long-lasting friendship through this Centre," he said, noting that the Centre’s work had already significantly contributed to developing tailored climate solutions for the Pacific region.

He continued by reminding participants of the need for sustained financial and operational resources to ensure the PCCC can continue to fulfill its mandate. “It is a timely reminder that the long-term sustainability of the PCCC requires a multi-faceted approach,” Lautimuia explained. 

“PCCC needs enhanced support to sustain the key services and in order to fulfil its mandates to address the climate change challenges in our Pacific.”

The Minister called for innovative financing mechanisms beyond traditional funding sources, such as climate bonds, green financing initiatives, and private-public partnerships. These, he argued, are essential for securing long-term investments in climate resilience and ensuring the Centre's success in the future.

He also emphasised the importance of building regional capacity, which he believes is vital to empowering local communities and governments to lead their own climate resilience efforts. 

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

The ongoing dialogue will continue to explore critical issues such as the development of the Pacific Climate Change Innovation Hub, and the Pacific Climate Change Innovation Lounge, both of which aim to foster new solutions and investments to address the region's climate challenges.

The outcome of this important dialogue is expected to be compiled into a final report, which will be shared with all partners and participants by March 28th, 2025, providing a roadmap for future collaboration in building a climate-resilient Pacific.