Pacific Climate Change Centre Building the Region’s Resilience

12 March 2025, Apia Samoa – The leading role played by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), through the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC), is a testament to the Pacific’s shared commitment to build resilience.

PCC provides direct support in climate change action to Pacific countries and key stakeholders, including the private sector.

Samoa’s Minister of Finance, Afioga Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai, highlighted this when he opened the two-day Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) Partners Dialogue on Long Term Sustainability Plan for Building a Climate Resilient Pacific in Apia, Samoa, this week.

“The PCCC facility itself along with continued investments through technical support, reaffirms the genuine partnership in addressing climate change for our region,” said Hon. Lautimuia.

“Since its establishment in 2019, it has served as a Hub for knowledge-sharing, applied research, capacity-building, and innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the Pacific. Our collaboration reflects a deep-seated commitment to resilience, sustainability, and the protection of our Pacific home for generations to come.”
The PCCC Partners Dialogue is taking place as communities in Samoa and Pacific countries on the frontline of the climate crisis continue to struggle with the devastating impacts.

“Our communities, economies, and ecosystems are experiencing the severe impacts of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and shifting climate patterns. As Small Island Developing States, 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 Hon. Lautimuia.

The PCCC is in its fourth year of operation since it was established. The PCCC Partner’s Dialogue on Long Term Sustainability Plan for Building a Climate Resilient Pacific is a crucial mechanism to report on areas of progress, flag gaps, challenges, and opportunities, as SPREP and Pacific countries work to build a more resilient Pacific environment.

“A call for collective actions and genuine partnership is why we are here today. The responsibility to secure the future of the PCCC and our Pacific islands is a shared one. I call upon all partners to reaffirm their commitment to long-term, predictable, and accessible financing for climate resilience through our Centre,” said Hon. Lautimuia.

“Samoa remains steadfast in its commitment to the Pacific’s climate resilience journey. Together, through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering determination, we will build a stronger and a more resilient Pacific.”

The PCCC is underpinned by strong partnerships with Pacific Governments, applied research institutions, donors, civil society, and the private sector. It is a partnership between the Governments of Japan and Samoa, funded under grant aid through JICA for Samoa as the host country of SPREP.

Chargé d’Affaires Embassy of Japan in Samoa, Mr Kazuo Tsukasa, said the Dialogue provides an important opportunity to discuss and explore avenues for sustainable funding.

“Japan strongly supports these discussions, recognizing that a stable and well-resourced PCCC is essential for continued regional climate action,” said Mr Tsukasa.

“Climate change is not just a regional issue, it is a global challenge that requires collaboration beyond borders. Japan welcomes discussions on the PCCC Long-Term Sustainability Plan and the Pacific Climate Innovative Investment Hub.

Our shared goal is to create a sustainable, climate-resilient Pacific by strengthening partnerships and mobilising long-term investment.”

SPREP’s Director General, Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, welcomed the call and reassured the Pacific about SPREP’s commitment to the long-term sustainability of the Centre.

“The PCCC is a collective commitment, and we recognise the support of our host government, the Government of Samoa, our long-standing partners – Japan, New Zealand, Australia,” said Mr Nawadra.

“We welcome new initiatives and partnerships with private sector and academic institutions such as the University of Melbourne who is also residing as the representative of research institutions on the PCCC advisory board.

“The journey of the Pacific Climate Change Centre has been made possible through your support and partnership, and we all witness significant strides in the past four years which is a testament to our genuine partnership, and I am confident about the path ahead.”

In addition to the funding for the PCCC from the partnership between the Governments of Japan and Samoa, the Centre also receives generous funding and support from the Governments of New Zealand and Australia.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Will Robinson said Australia is honoured to be working with members of the Pacific family to address the most pressing issue the region faces – climate change.

“Australia is pleased to be supporting the important work of the Pacific Climate Change Centre and SPREP. We are committed to undertaking climate action with our region through the regional architecture, backing Pacific-led solutions to the climate crisis,” he said.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa, Her Excellency Si’alei van Toor, reiterated her nation’s commitment to work with the PCCC to enhance and sustain the critical services in order to fulfil its mandate to address the climate change challenges in the Pacific.