by Puaseiese Adrienne Pedro, Office Prime Minister Tuvalu
Pacific leaders, community representatives and climate experts have gathered in Apia for the Pacific Loss and Damage Dialogue 2025, a two-day meeting focused on turning recent global commitments on climate finance and technical support into practical help for communities on the climate frontlines.
Held at Taumeasina Island Resort and co-hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and Climate Analytics, the Dialogue builds on momentum from the inaugural 2023 meeting and recent international developments — notably the operationalization of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) and the strengthening of the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage (SNLD). Organizers say these new mechanisms create concrete opportunities for Pacific island countries to access the finance and technical assistance needed to respond to climate-driven loss and damage.
Opening remarks recalled the region’s long campaign to place loss and damage on the global agenda. Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena, CEO of Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, described the progress as the result of decades of advocacy: “It has been quite a long journey… from a concept in 1991 to the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP27 in 2022.” She also urged delegates to draw on the Pacific’s deep cultural ties to land, sea and sky as a source of authority and motivation: “Our connection to the land, sea and sky of the Pacific is an opportunity for us to speak for the islands we call home, for ourselves, for the health of our homes and for our futures.”
SPREP’s Deputy Director General, Ms. Easter Chu Shing, framed the Dialogue as a practical, solutions-oriented step: translating international funding and technical networks into locally led action. “This is about turning opportunities into action, strengthening local capacity, testing pilot projects, and making sure Pacific people lead the solutions,” she said.
Speakers also emphasised equity and responsibility. Tuvalu’s Prime Minister, Hon. Feleti P. Teo — from one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, where the highest land is only a few metres above sea level — has been a vocal advocate for fair global responses. At COP29 he warned that “a situation globally caused must also have a globally just and equitable solution,” and stressed that the special needs of Small Island States and Least Developed Countries must be fully recognized.
The Dialogue’s programme is structured to move from understanding to action.
Day one focuses on clarifying what “loss and damage” means in Pacific contexts — from coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion to loss of livelihoods and cultural heritage — and on building shared understanding among governments, civil society, NGOs, academia and the private sector. Day two shifts to action: strengthening capacity, shaping policy, identifying priority activities and exploring funding pathways, including potential pilot projects that could be implemented locally.
Organisers expect the meeting to produce concrete recommendations, clear pathways for action, and a map of pilot projects ready to progress from planning to implementation with support from the FRLD, SNLD and bilateral partners. Participants leave with a mandate to ensure Pacific priorities are heard in international climate processes — and that global commitments deliver finance and support where it is most needed.
The Pacific Regional Loss and Damage Dialogue 2025 is held from 11-12 August at Taumeasina Island Resort. It follows the inaugural Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage, held from 7- 8 August, at the same venue in Samoa.
The Pacific Regional Loss and Damage Dialogue 2025 and the inaugural Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage are made possible with funding support from the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project with the Government of New Zealand.
Hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the dialogues bring together Pacific governments, youths, civil society, academia, NGOs, and the private sector to collectively advance the region’s priorities on Loss and damage.
This story was produced by the Pacific Media Team covering the meetings. Their attendance is made possible with funding support from the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project with the Government of New Zealand.
For more information, please contact SPREP Climate Change Adaptation Adviser, Ms Filomena Nelson [email protected] , SPREP Climate Change Loss and Damage Officer, Ms Jessica Rodham [email protected] or Media and Public Relations Officer, Mr Keni Lesa [email protected]