In a significant milestone for climate action in the Pacific, GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) has officially handed over the management of the Regional Pacific NDC Hub to the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) during the Focal Point meeting held at SPREP for their 14 member countries. This transition marks the successful completion of Phase three of the NDC Hub's journey, which has been pivotal in advancing climate resilience and sustainable development across our Pacific Islands.
Over the past few years, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Hub, under the stewardship of GIZ in partnership with Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and SPC, has made remarkable progress in supporting Pacific Islands to implement their NDCs. This handover to SPC signifies a new chapter, ensuring that the momentum built over these years continues to drive climate action in the region.
“SPREP is proud to partner to in the implementation of the work of the NDC Hub and to see climate action happening in our Pacific Islands region. We congratulate the Pacific NDC Hub on all that has been achieved and we look forward further collaboration to contribute to building the resilience of our Pacific” said Ms Tagaloa Cooper, Director of Climate Change Resilience of SPREP.
The NDC Hub has achieved several key milestones with partners. The Hub successfully updated and developed investment plans for six NDCs, providing our Pacific Islands with robust strategies to combat climate change. Additionally, four national policy coherence reviews were conducted, aligning them with regional and international climate frameworks to enhance effectiveness and synchronisation with global goals.
In collaboration with our Pacific Islands, the NDC Hub executed 11 targeted activities to translate plans into impactful on-ground actions. Furthermore, seven Measurement, Reporting, and Verification plans were developed, strengthening transparency, accountability, and trust in climate action across the region. Capacity building has also been a cornerstone of the Hub’s efforts, with nine training events empowering local stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective NDC implementation.
The Hub also made significant strides in climate change communication by building capacity with Communication Officers in four countries and raising awareness among media professionals across all 14 Pacific Islands with a focus on youth and women inclusion. Eight Talanoa sessions were facilitated, promoting open dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, allowing for the sharing of best practices and fostering regional cooperation.
The outgoing Steering Committee Chair, Ms Debra Sungi, expressed her gratitude and optimism during the handover ceremony. "This handover is not just a change in leadership; it's a testament to the power of collaboration and shared commitment. The progress we've made together with our Pacific Islands underlines the importance of partnership in tackling the global challenge of climate change. As we pass the baton to SPC, I am confident that the NDC Hub will continue to thrive and support the Pacific in building a resilient and sustainable future."
Ms Iris Cordelia Rotzoll, the Regional Pacific NDC Hub Manager, also shared her reflections on this momentous occasion: "Our journey with our Pacific Islands has been nothing short of inspiring. The resilience and determination of these nations to confront the challenges of climate change head-on have been remarkable. As we hand over the reins to SPC, I am filled with hope and confidence that the NDC Hub will continue to be a driving force in shaping a sustainable and climate-resilient Pacific. This transition is a testament to the enduring partnership and shared vision that we all hold dear."
The transition to SPC reflects a commitment to regional ownership and the long-term sustainability of the NDC Hub's initiatives. SPC, with its extensive regional expertise and deep-rooted connections with the Pacific communities, is well-positioned to lead the Hub into its next phase.
GIZ, alongside its partners - GGGI, SPREP, SPC and NDC Partnership - thank the Pacific Islands for their unwavering dedication and the generous support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ), the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and the European Union (EU).
“The Regional Pacific NDC Hub remains a beacon of hope and a critical platform for driving climate resilience in the Pacific,” said Ms Lealaisalanoa Frances Reupena, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Samoa.
“As the region faces the ongoing challenges of climate change, the NDC Hub will continue to play a crucial role in securing a sustainable, low-carbon future for the Pacific Islands.”
The Nationally Determined Contribution Hub Focal Point Meeting was held in Samoa on 12 August 2024 and was attended by the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
