The Pacific Community (SPC) and Aotearoa New Zealand have signed a bold new deal to boost climate action across the Pacific.
Announcing the new partnership that will underpin the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Climate Change Flagship programme, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni said, “In the face of the escalating impacts of climate change on our region, it’s vital we team up to accelerate action and build resilience in one the world’s most vulnerable areas. This is why Aotearoa New Zealand is committing NZ$30 million (US$18.4 million) to SPC’s Climate Change Flagship programme to expand and intensify its climate work for our Blue Pacific Continent”.
SPC’s Climate Change Flagship programme will bolster the efforts of Pacific Island countries and territories to enhance their sustainable climate action efforts. The Flagship programme adopts an evidence-based decision-making approach, pooled services, and the capability to help these nations achieve their low-carbon and climate-resilient sustainable development objectives. “The Climate Change Flagship programme will unlock and leverage greater access to climate finance for Pacific countries and territories. It will also provide pooled capability and improved data to support climate action,” said Coral Pasisi, Director of Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability at SPC.
Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago, Regional Director Polynesia of the Pacific Community, thanks New Zealand for their significant investment in SPC’s Flagship Climate Change Programme
Speaking at a celebratory event held in Tonga on behalf of Director General Dr Stuart Minchin, the Regional Director for Polynesia, Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago, said, “By bringing together scientific knowledge from various disciplines, strategic planning, and innovative financing, SPC’s Climate Change Flagship programme will bolster resilience and prosperity for Pacific communities facing the most severe consequences of a rapidly changing climate. New Zealand’s commitment to SPC’s Climate Change Flagship programme will enable our members to confront this challenge head-on.”
This support for the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Climate Change Flagship programmes is testament to the enduring partnership between New Zealand and SPC, and the 76-year history of working together for the betterment of Pacific people and the Blue Pacific Continent. Today, New Zealand is one of SPC’s most impactful donors supporting Pacific priorities through innovation, science, and development effectiveness.
Media Contacts:David Wardell, Senior Communications Officer (Acting), Pacific Community (SPC), Corporate Communications| davidw@spc.int
Maeva Tesan, Information, Communications and Knowledge Management Officer, Pacific Community (SPC), Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability (CCES)| maevat@spc.int
SOURCE: SPC/PACNEWS
